The airline super app helps boost local tourism and economic recovery
With the pent-up demand for travel this year, Filipinos are continuing to explore the country with much gusto and passion. They want to learn about lesser known destinations as well as rediscovering their favorite local spots. Dubbed as “revenge travel” on social media, it is a recent phenomenon referring to people who are traveling and making up for lost time during the pandemic.
During the 21st World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit held last April in Manila, with more than 1,000 in-person delegates and 10,000 virtual participants, big data revealed how people’s travel preferences have shifted in the past two years of lockdowns. Recent studies showed that 70 percent of travelers are more inclined to visit new and unknown places, according to YouGov, a British market research and analytics firm.
Locally, the Philippines is enjoying forward movement on the road to recovery, thanks to the tourism sector. As indicated in the latest Economic Impact Report presented during the summit, industry experts unveiled a rosy outlook for the Philippines, highlighting a projected annual growth rate of 6.7 percent in the next 10 years, and an overall economy average growth rate of 5.6 percent.
For the past two years, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has been preparing for the reopening of the country to tourists, not only foreign visitors but as well as local travelers, forwarding efforts in creating a safe space for all amid the threats of Covid-19.
However, DOT has not been alone in making this happen, as tourism partners like hotels, tour operators, industry organizations, and, of course, airlines are also instrumental in further stirring economic recovery for the sector. AirAsia Super App Philippines is one partner at the forefront of this recovery, leading the sector in promoting tourism by mounting activities as well as promos which make it easier for Filipinos to travel.
Recently, the airline partnered with the province of Bohol and its government for the return of its face-to-face Sandugo Festival after two years of lockdown. “Sandugo holds so much significance to all of our Boholano friends and family here, but this year makes it more meaningful as we return to the streets and take back the merriment of celebrating face to face,” said Ray Berja, managing director of AirAsia Super App Philippines.
“The return of Sandugo signals that we are on the track to recovery and Boholanos can be assured of AirAsia Super App’s continued support in stirring travel demand as we also provide opportunities for micro small medium enterprises in the province,” he continued.
AirAsia presented the Fiesta Series: Sandugo Festival 2022 together with a night market filled with local finds and delicacies, at the Old Tagbilaran Airport. The AirAsia Super App users, Boholanos and visitors alike, were entertained by local performers and musical acts, AirAsia All Stars, and the festival’s headliner, Filipino rock band Sponge Cola.
The Sandugo Festival is a month-long celebration highlighting cultural and historical shows, sports events, agro-industrial exhibits, balls, dances, and concerts. The festival also features the re-enactment of the Sandugo (blood compact) of Datu Sikatuna and Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
AirAsia supports the resumption of tourism in Bohol by offering huge discounts on hotel and flight bookings for as low as P1,200 from Tagbilaran and Manila. Travelers are able to enjoy up to 20 percent discount just by using the AirAsia Super App, ASEAN’s fastest-growing integrated digital travel and lifestyle companion. The super app is a one-stop shop for all your travel needs—including fintech and e-commerce services—offering users to book flights, hotels, transports, deliveries, and more with just a touch of a button.
To learn more, download the app today via Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For more information, visit www.airasia.com.