In a world reshaped by the pandemic, travel has taken on a new dimension. As borders reopen and adventurers eagerly dust off their passports, Southeast Asia is witnessing an intriguing phenomenon. Airbnb, a pioneer in redefining travel experiences, is revealing compelling trends that showcase a fervent interest in the Philippines among Southeast Asian travelers.
Chinese Wanderlust: A Philippines Affair
Year-on-Year Surges in Chinese Travelers’ Interest
China’s resurgence in international travel has sent ripples of excitement through the Southeast Asian region. The Philippines, with its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, has become an alluring gem for Chinese tourists. Airbnb’s latest data unveils a staggering tenfold increase in guest searches among Chinese travelers year-on-year. It seems the allure of pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history has captured the hearts of our neighbors to the north.
Domestic Travel’s Remarkable Comeback
Philippines: A Domestic Travel Hotspot
As international travel regains its footing in Southeast Asia, domestic tourism is proving to be an unwavering favorite among locals. The Philippines, in particular, has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in local wanderlust. In 2022, the number of nights booked on Airbnb more than doubled compared to 2020. The archipelago was proudly crowned as the #1 travel destination for Filipino travelers in 2022.
Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, emphasized the significance of domestic tourism. “A weekend trip to a nearby destination is not only easier to plan but also much more affordable. Airbnb has played a pivotal role in supporting domestic tourism by offering a diverse range of affordable accommodations in new and exciting locations. This allows our guests to explore a multitude of destinations they might have never considered before.”
Unlocking Hidden Treasures: A Global Trend
From Popular to Lesser-Known: The Airbnb Effect
In 2022, Airbnb’s global guests ventured into over 100,000 different cities and towns. Interestingly, the top 10 most-visited destinations accounted for just 7 percent of all trips, down from 10 percent in 2019. Airbnb’s travelers are increasingly turning their gaze away from the well-trodden paths, expanding their horizons into lesser-known communities.
Since March 2020, more than 13,000 towns and cities worldwide received their inaugural Airbnb booking. In the Philippines, this trend is no exception. Over 900 new towns and cities have experienced their first-ever Airbnb bookings, marking a significant shift toward more diverse travel experiences.
Flexibility Breeds Exploration
A Novel Way to Explore
One standout revelation is Airbnb’s flexible search features, which empower travelers to break away from the tourist hordes. Data shows that guests using these features are markedly less likely to stay in the most popular destinations on Airbnb. Approximately 1 in 20 stays on Airbnb are now booked using flexible search. Globally, flexible bookers are about 23 percent less likely to choose the top 20 destinations on Airbnb.
Amanpreet Bajaj underscored the importance of this shift, saying, “Distributed travel is affordable, bolsters local economies and jobs, and immerses people in communities. Airbnb is committed to dispersing guests, income, and tourism benefits beyond the usual hotspots to new and trending destinations. We acknowledge the challenges posed by mass tourism globally and are investing in solutions to mitigate these while introducing our guests to fresh communities and income streams for locals.”
In a world where travel is no longer just a journey but a transformative experience, Airbnb continues to be at the forefront, redefining how we explore our world, one destination at a time.
About Airbnb
Born in 2007 from the warm embrace of two hosts welcoming three guests into their San Francisco home, Airbnb has since blossomed into a global phenomenon. With over 4 million dedicated hosts opening their doors to more than 1.5 billion guest arrivals across the globe, Airbnb has made it possible for travelers to forge authentic connections with communities worldwide. Every day, Airbnb offers unique stays and experiences that redefine the essence of travel.
As the world continues to evolve, so does the way we explore it, and Airbnb is leading the way. So, whether you’re a traveler or a host, remember, your next adventure is just a click away.
Header image by jcomp on Freepik
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