‘Barkada package’ a hit among young travelers

CEBU, Philippines - Travel operators have noted a sudden surge in demand for “barkada package” from the younger travelers who wanted to explore new exotic destinations in the country.

Cebu Association of Travel Operation Specialists (CATOS) president Alice Queblatin said that although travel packages for groups or families have been offered ever since, the volume demand for barkada packages is quite surprising.

Young travelers are now looking for fresh destinations, both domestic and international, and young travelers have money to explore, she said.

Domestically, Queblatin said hot destinations for active and millennial explorers are those newly discovered, and the all-time-favorites like Coron or El Nido in Palawan, the vintage vibe of Vigan, the  classic attraction of summer capital Baguio City, world's surfing mecca Siargao, among others.

To satisfy the "unpredictable" young market, Queblatin said travel operators are also catching up and constantly developing new and fresh packages, like the enchanted river in Surigao del Sur, and other interesting exotic and nature tripping destinations in Mindanao and the Visayas.

Travel operators and service providers are now developing accommodation facilities for this emerging ‘barkada’ market, which is usually composed of six to 10 people.

Something interesting, affordable, and full of value-added packaged travels are a hit among young travelers, Queblatin added. (FREEMAN)