China Philippines Travel Sentiment Survey May 2020

Overview

Post-crisis resumption of international travel is a key economic issue for the Philippines where tourism accounts for 12.7% of GDP. While domestic staycations are likely to be a short-term cash flow strategy for hotels and tourism establishments in the months ahead, the reopening of the overseas market is critical to stabilize this sector.

PHILIPPINES’ INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS

South Korea and China accounted for nearly half of the international visitors to the Philippines last year, and mounting prospects are likely to see intra-regional travel coming back online later in the year. Latching onto this, a new consumer travel survey undertaken in key first tier cities across China shows that 61% of respondents would like to visit the Philippines within 2020.

According to the China Philippines Travel Sentiment Survey conducted in early May by leading hospitality consulting group C9 Hotelworks and Delivering Asia Communications, the key conclusion is that the first wave of international travelers are attracted to Philippine beach destinations, whose appeal has been enhanced by the Covid-19 self-isolation and social distancing mindset.

Summing up, the new normal for travel and hotels is how social distancing should be about physical distancing and not removing the human element. The ongoing challenge is to address the heartbeat of hospitality which is social connections. Given the brand DNA of the Philippines is ‘it’s more fun’, how will this will impact the travel experiences of international travelers remains a key question.

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