AFFLUENT Filipinos have the greatest likelihood to go traveling with their families over all other affluent people in Asia Pacific, according to the results of the Visa Spending Patterns and Perspectives of High Income Households Survey.

The survey found that 64 percent of affluent Filipino respondents prefer traveling with their families, the highest percentage among all Asia Pacific countries and territories included in the survey.

Korea came second at 41 percent, while India, Singapore and Taiwan tied for third at 40 percent.

The Visa Spending Patterns and Perspectives of High Income Household Survey covered 500 people from the Philippines.

All respondents were aged 18 and above, with equal gender split, and with an income of at least P100,001 a month.

The same survey was also conducted in big and small markets in the region such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and India.

The survey also found that close to half of affluent Filipino respondents looked forward to pursuing passions and hobbies in the near future, with 78 percent of them naming travel as their key passion.

Eighty-three percent of Filipino respondents said they tend to go traveling only once every six months or less.

Visa Country Manager for the Philippines Bob Joubert said, “The results of the survey show how important family is to affluent Filipinos.

This extends to traveling as when affluent Filipinos travel they make sure that they get the most out of their travels by sharing the experience with their loved ones.”

For Filipino respondents, long stay travel tends to be more popular than weekend breaks.

The United States was found to be the top destination (51 percent), followed by Hong Kong (26 percent), Australia (23 percent) and the United Kingdom (22 percent).

As part of catering to Filipinos earning high incomes, Visa offers its Visa Platinum program.

Visa Platinum cardholders can get more from their travel budget and experience by using their Platinum card in any of the partner merchants included in the improved Visa Platinum Program 2009.

Visa also offers dining, shopping, and wellness privileges and benefits from 22 new local partner merchants, which include 10 percent off on basic car rental from AVIS, a 20-percent discount on best available rates at Discovery Suites Hotel and a 10-percent discount off rack rates at Manila Diamond Hotel.

The new Visa Platinum Program 2009 brings the total of 80 merchant selections to the Platinum cardholders.