Filipinos exploring new countries, site shows

Filipinos are becoming more “adventurous” in their travel choices given the healthy economy, rising incomes and increasing availability of low-cost carrier choices, according to global travel search site Skyscanner.

Skyscanner Philippines manager Janet Ranola noted that more Filipinos have shown willingness to go to destinations other than the more popular tourist spots in Asia.

Key to this were the significant role that low-cost carriers have played in introducing affordable airline fares for Filipinos, and the growing local economy that contributed to an improved propensity to travel among Filipinos.

Ranola also pointed out that a growing number of Filipinos were considering traveling to Europe, prompted largely by the Philippine Airlines’ introduction of direct flights to London and Paris this year.

Sam Poullain, who is in charge of PR  and Communications for Asia Pacific at Skyscanner, added that the Philippines was becoming one of the fastest growing markets, as shown in the increased usage of the Skyscanner services.

Based on data provided by Skyscanner, Filipinos’ top 10 outbound destinations for the 2013 holidays are the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Canada, Malaysia and South Korea.

Skyscanner also revealed that the Filipinos’ top outbound Holy Week destinations were Singapore, Hong Kong, United States, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Indonesia.

It further disclosed that more Filipinos are considering to go to Norway, India, Indonesia, France and Taiwan, which were among the so-called “emerging destinations,” based on searches done locally.

Domestically, Skyscanner searches revealed that while Manila was still the most popular destination, provinces known for their beaches  like Kalibo and Puerto Princesa made it to the top 10 local destinations.

Skyscanner is a leading global travel search site offering a comprehensive free flight search service as well as instant online comparisons for hotels and car rent.

Skyscanner employs over 250 personnel with  its global headquarters located in Edinburgh. Regional hubs are in Singapore, Beijing, Barcelona and Miami.  Amy R. Remo