Exploring Holiday Trends: How Filipinos Travel, Shop, and Pay This Season

As the holiday season approaches, Filipinos are gearing up for a vibrant period filled with travel, shopping, and festive gatherings.

A recent survey by Visa reveals notable shifts in how Filipinos plan and pay for their holiday adventures, highlighting a preference for contactless payments and experience-driven travel. With Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong topping the list of preferred destinations, the spirit of exploration is stronger than ever.

Experience-Driven Travel

For many Filipinos, the holiday season is a prime time for travel, with 32% planning domestic trips and 23% opting for international getaways. The survey highlights that relaxation (80%) and new experiences (43%) are primary motivations for travel. Popular activities include sightseeing (82%), indulging in local cuisine (67%), and shopping (67%), indicating that Filipinos are seeking destinations that offer a mix of leisure, culture, and adventure.

Singapore has emerged as the leading destination for Filipino travelers, with 38% of respondents visiting the city-state over the past year. Its unique blend of urban attractions and cultural richness, coupled with proximity to the Philippines, makes it an ideal choice for holiday travelers. Hong Kong follows closely with 31%, known for its dynamic shopping scene and culinary diversity. Japan, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and vibrant markets, is also a favorite, attracting 30% of travelers.

In addition to outbound travel, inbound tourism to the Philippines is on the rise, welcoming 3.66 million international visitors from January to August 2024—a 10.14% increase compared to the previous year. This trend signifies a broader recovery in the tourism sector, with domestic and international tourism spending projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

Evolving Payment Preferences

A key takeaway from the survey is the growing shift towards contactless payment methods. According to research conducted by YouGov, 66% of Filipino travelers now favor contactless options like mobile wallets and tap-to-pay cards, while 67% express interest in obtaining contactless-enabled cards. This trend reflects a desire for convenience and security while traveling.

Despite this shift, cash remains prevalent, with 71% of holiday travelers carrying cash as a backup, particularly in areas where digital payment infrastructure is limited. This indicates that while contactless payments are on the rise, there is still a significant reliance on cash, especially in certain holiday destinations.

Supporting Tourism Growth

Jeff Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, emphasizes the importance of enhancing the travel experience for both outbound travelers and incoming tourists. Visa is committed to supporting the Filipino government's efforts to bolster tourism through improved digital payment methods and initiatives designed to enhance the overall tourist experience.

Visa has implemented several programs aimed at promoting cashless transactions among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the Philippines, providing tools and resources to facilitate smoother payment experiences. Collaborations with local markets and initiatives like the POSM Visibility Initiative further enhance the visibility of Visa services in popular tourist areas.

As the holiday season unfolds, Filipinos are embracing a new era of travel that prioritizes experiences and convenience. The combination of evolving payment preferences and a desire for memorable adventures underscores the enduring values that define Filipino travel. Whether using cash or contactless methods, the focus remains on creating cherished moments and connecting with loved ones—values that resonate deeply as they explore both local and international destinations.