Travel service provider Trip.com said Wednesday that Filipinos continue to book international trips ahead of the holiday season, following reduced fuel fines collected by airlines.
“As Filipinos look forward to the upcoming holiday season and take that much-deserved vacation, international travel remains high on their agenda,” the company said in a statement.
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) earlier this month said additional costs to aircraft due to fuel prices will drop to the lowest level since the Middle East war, with passenger fuel fines at Level 8.
Under Level 8, which will remain in effect until July 31, airlines are allowed to have fuel costs ranging from P253 to P787 for domestic flights, down from P287 to P839.
For international services, the charge will range from P835.05 to P6,208.98, down from P947.30 to P7,044.27 previously.
As fuel prices decrease, Trip.com data showed that cosmopolitan destinations, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Taipei, continue to dominate outbound travel due to accessibility and convenience.
Aside from the usual cities, Philippine travelers are exploring beyond the most popular vacation spots. Emerging destinations, such as Palau and Oman, saw significant year-on-year (YoY) growth in the first half of the year, with increases of 663% and 482% respectively.
Saudi Arabia also saw growth of 145%, followed by Vietnam at 122%, Australia at 80%, and Canada at 67%.
“These signs that Filipino travelers are becoming more confident in exploring destinations that were once considered a niche, supported by increasing air connectivity, greater awareness of the destination, and the desire for new travel experiences,” the company said.
In Vietnam, Da Nang recorded a 483% YoY increase in bookings from Filipinos, while Hanoi grew by 145%.
“This growth shows that travelers are not just revisiting the same destinations – they are expanding beyond the gateway cities,” the company said. “Filipino travelers are eager to explore places beyond their popular tourist destinations and experience diverse travel experiences.”
Beyond the destination, activities also influence the travel plans of Filipinos. Hong Kong Disneyland remains the most booked international attraction for the first half of 2026, followed by Ocean Park Hong Kong, Universal Studios Singapore, and Universal Studios Japan.
“As demand for vacation travel grows, these booking methods reflect a new generation of Filipino travelers, those who are more confident, experienced, and open to exploring beyond the familiar,” the company said.
Trip.com has more than 1.7 million hotels and flights from more than 600 airlines in 220 countries and territories around the world.
As of June 2026, Trip.com is leading Travel and Tourism platforms in the country with 3.21M monthly visits, according to data from software company Semrush. – Almira Louise S. Martinez
