The Department of Tourism (DOT), in collaboration with Guide to the Philippines and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM)-Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center, launched a follow-up survey on Philippine Travelers' sentiments in the new normal.
This as the tourism department is aiming for a data-driven response from the public toward the slow revival of the country’s tourism.
Formally opened last Nov. 28, the DOT is asking the public to answer the survey which can be accessed at bit.ly/phtravelsurvey-travelers. This will run until Dec. 24.
The first survey, launched last May 2020, collected feedback from over 12,000 respondents from 81 provinces. It gave insights into the thoughts and expectations of travelers regarding Philippine tourism during the first few months of government-imposed lockdowns due to the global pandemic.
The survey found that domestic travel will lead the recovery of the Philippine travel industry, with 77 percent of respondents expressing their willingness to travel to local destinations once restrictions are lifted. More than half of the respondents also look forward to travel for leisure or vacation, even in the absence of a vaccine against COVID-19.
Popular local tourist spots, especially beaches, are expected to see a surge in visitors. Boracay, Siargao, and Baguio top the list of destinations to visit when travel is permitted again. Filipinos also prefer to travel to destinations closer to home.
Travel plans are also largely going digital, as 72 percent of travelers directly and independently book travel arrangements with establishments online. Nearly half of the respondents will also go with online travel agencies and aggregators.
As Philippine destinations begin to open up for domestic leisure travel, the DOT said the follow-up survey will help them and the tourism enterprises understand and respond to traveler concerns and expectations.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat urged local travelers to participate in the survey and invited them to "spread the word" so that many could be part of it.
"By sparing ten minutes to answer the survey, you can help shape the recovery of the Philippine tourism industry," she said.
The previous Philippine Travel Survey report can be accessed through this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uBHSSsvTfKPHkBbsQsyaMXjpZNavc9OP/view.