Filipinos are traveling overseas in bigger numbers, underscoring a sustained rebound in consumer confidence and leisure spending.
Outbound travel rose 11.6 percent in 2025 to 7.65 million travelers, up from 6.85 million a year earlier, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand led the list of destinations.
The momentum was clearly visible at the recently concluded Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) Travel Expo, which drew more than 100,000 visitors and featured over 800 booths from 350 exhibitors.
PTAA president Jaison Yang said demand remains strong, with Japan, Korea, and Taiwan consistently topping travelers’ wish lists, while Vietnam is fast emerging as a new favorite.
Aggressive marketing and sustained tourism investments continue to work in favor of traditional hotspots. Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong stood out at the expo for their visibility, Yang said, helping them maintain strong brand recall among Filipino travelers.
Visa policies also matter: Taiwan remains visa-free, Korea has eased its visa process, and Japan continues to attract interest despite processing delays.
Vietnam’s growing appeal, however, reflects a different dynamic. Yang cited affordability, short travel time, and strong word-of-mouth on social media as key drivers. Competitive hotel prices in Vietnam and Taiwan further boost their attractiveness, especially for value-conscious travelers.
While Japan and Korea are relatively more expensive, they remain popular for shopping and food tourism—and still cost far less than European travel. Hong Kong, meanwhile, has become a preferred destination for do-it-yourself travelers, supported by frequent flights and ease of navigation.
DOT data showed Filipino travel to Hong Kong rose 7.3 percent in 2025 to 950,665 visitors. Japan followed with 852,643 visitors, up 8 percent, while Singapore ranked third with 714,947, despite a year-on-year decline.
Outbound travel peaked in December and May, highlighting the strong role of holidays and long weekends in shaping Filipino travel behavior—and signaling that the appetite for international trips remains far from cooling.
