Filipino Holiday Travel Demand Remains High Amidst Lower Fuel Surcharges

Filipino demand for international travel remains high ahead of the holiday season, with travel service provider Trip.com reporting continued bookings following reduced fuel surcharges collected by airlines. "As Filipinos look ahead to the upcoming holiday season and taking that well-deserved break, international travel remains high on their agenda," the company stated. The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) earlier this month announced that additional charges on airfares due to fuel prices are set to drop to their lowest level since the Middle East war. The passenger fuel surcharge is now at Level 8, effective until July 31. Under Level 8, fuel surcharges for domestic flights range from P253 to P787, a decrease from P287 to P839. For international services, the surcharge will range from P835.05 to P6,208.98, down from P947.30 to P7,044.27 previously. With decreasing fuel surcharges, Trip.com data indicates that cosmopolitan hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Taipei continue to dominate outbound travel due to affordability, accessibility, and convenience. Beyond familiar cities, Filipino travelers are also exploring emerging destinations. Palau and Oman have seen significant year-on-year growth in the first half of the year, with increases of 663% and 482%, respectively. Saudi Arabia experienced a 145% surge, followed by Vietnam at 122%, Australia at 80%, and Canada at 67%. "These signals that Filipino travelers are becoming more confident in exploring destinations that were once considered niche, supported by expanding flight connectivity, greater destination awareness, and a desire for new travel experiences," the company said. In Vietnam, Da Nang recorded a 483% YoY increase in bookings among Filipinos, while Hanoi grew by 145%. "This growth exhibits how travelers are not simply revisiting the same destinations – they’re expanding beyond gateway cities," the company noted. "Filipino travelers are eager to explore destinations beyond its popularized tourist spots and gain more diverse travel experiences." Activities also influence travel plans. Hong Kong Disneyland remains the top international attraction booked for the first half of 2026, followed by Ocean Park Hong Kong, Universal Studios Singapore, and Universal Studios Japan. Trip.com features over 1.7 million hotels and flights from over 600 airlines across 220 countries and regions worldwide. As of June 2026, Trip.com leads Travel & Tourism platforms in the country with 3.21 million monthly visits, according to data from software company Semrush.