DOT keeps hopes up on local tourism

CEBU, Philippines — The tourism industry in the Philippines is far from giving up even as the threat of the coronavirus continues, as it banks on domestic travelers to save the barely breathing sector.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is leading a strong spirit of optimism, following an encouraging survey result indicating that majority of Pinoys are willing to travel within domestic destinations.

A travel survey conducted on May 15 to 24, 2020 in partnership with the DOT, Guide to the Philippines and AIM-Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center of Tourism, revealed that 77 percent of the respondents are still willing to travel domestically even with the absence of a proven Covid-19 vaccine.

According to the survey, 48 percent of the respondents expect to travel domestically within six months from lifting of travel restrictions.

Only 26 percent expect to travel internationally within the same period.

Meanwhile, 37 percent of the respondents planning to travel to East Asia or in places like China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. Thirty percent plan to travel to member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The 12,732 respondents covered 81 provinces in the Philippines.

The survey also showed that 46 percent of the respondents spend an average of two to three days for domestic leisure trips and spend at least P1,000 per day for food, accommodation, activities and others.

Seventy-four percent travel in groups of two to five. Most of the respondents travel with families and relatives (68 percent) and friends and co-workers at 16 percent.

The survey revealed that leisure travel remains the primary reason for travel followed by a visit to family and friends, business, medical and education purposes.

Due to the impact of Covid-19 to the financial aspect of traveling, the survey showed 44 percent of the respondents foresee a reduction in travel budget. It also revealed that travelers are less likely to buy travel deals at this time due to concerns on safety, expected reduction in income and travel restrictions.

Health and safety stand at the top of all concerns of travelers, the survey showed, with 73 percent of the respondents noting safety and security as the primary factor in choosing a travel vendor.