The Philippines is expected to remain one of Asia’s strongest travel destinations in the second half of the year, according to new forward booking data from AirAsia MOVE.
The booking platform found that travellers across the region are continuing to prioritise international trips despite higher airfares, with the Philippines joining Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand as the most sought-after destinations.
The latest data also highlights changing travel habits as consumers become more mindful of their spending. While demand for overseas travel remains resilient, many travellers are adjusting their accommodation choices and booking behaviour to better manage rising travel costs.
Travellers Prioritise Flights While Choosing More Affordable Hotels
According to AirAsia MOVE, travellers are spending around 35 per cent more on flights than on hotels, suggesting that many are willing to pay higher airfares to reach their preferred destinations while looking for savings elsewhere.
“The data suggests that travellers remain willing to invest in reaching their preferred destinations, while becoming more selective about where they stay,” MOVE said.
This shift is reflected in accommodation preferences. Around three in four hotel bookings made for the second half of the year are for three- and four-star properties, indicating that travellers are opting for comfortable yet reasonably priced stays instead of premium hotels.
The platform also observed that travellers are planning further ahead than before. More passengers are now making bookings over 120 days before departure, demonstrating renewed confidence in organising overseas holidays well in advance. As a result, destinations across Asia continue to benefit from sustained demand, with the Philippines remaining firmly among the region’s leading choices.
Regional Getaways Continue to Drive Demand
AirAsia MOVE also noted that travellers are becoming increasingly strategic about when they book their flights. Around two in five flight bookings are made between the 25th and the fifth day of each month, closely matching salary cycles across many Asian countries.
“The pattern suggests that while travellers often begin researching and planning earlier, many of them choose to make the trip closer to payday periods, reflecting a more disciplined approach to discretionary spending,” MOVE said.
The company expects this cautious approach to continue throughout the remainder of the year as the aviation industry continues to face cost pressures, with jet fuel prices remaining above US$100 per barrel.
Another notable trend is the growing preference for international destinations that can be reached within four hours. Short-haul holidays allow travellers to make the most of both their budgets and limited annual leave while reducing overall travel expenses.
According to MOVE, bookings for overseas flights with a travel time of under four hours have increased by 14 per cent. If the trend continues, countries with extensive regional flight networks, including the Philippines, are expected to benefit from stronger visitor arrivals in the coming months.
Millennials and Gen Z Continue to Shape Travel Trends
Younger travellers remain the driving force behind regional tourism recovery. AirAsia MOVE found that millennials aged between 30 and 45 account for 43 per cent of all bookings made through the platform.
When combined with Gen Z travellers, these younger generations represent around two-thirds of total bookings, underlining the importance of travel as part of their lifestyle despite ongoing economic pressures.
The latest booking data suggests that although travellers are becoming more budget-conscious, their desire to explore international destinations remains strong.
By balancing airfare costs with more affordable accommodation and choosing shorter regional trips, many continue to prioritise travel experiences, positioning destinations such as the Philippines for sustained tourism growth throughout the second half of the year.
