Manila, Philippines – With the season being a peak time for getaways, Filipinos prioritise experience-driven travel, with Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan being top destinations, with a new study from Visa highlighting a significant shift in how Filipinos plan and pay for their travels, showing a growing preference for contactless payments alongside the continued use of cash.
According to the survey, December is a peak travel month for Filipinos, with 32% planning domestic vacations and 23% opting for international destinations.
The survey highlighted that most Filipinos travel primarily to relax (80%) and seek new experiences (43%). Sightseeing remains the most popular activity for travelers (82%), but local cuisine (67%) and shopping (67%) are also high on the list of priorities. These findings suggest that many Filipinos are looking for destinations that offer a mix of leisure, entertainment, and adventure.
Amongst international destinations, Singapore stands out as the top choice, with 38% of respondents having visited the city-state in the past 12 months. Its mix of urban attractions and cultural experiences, coupled with its close proximity and accessibility from the Philippines, makes it a favoured destination, especially during the holiday season.
Hong Kong follows closely, with 31% of Filipinos choosing to visit. Known for its extensive shopping opportunities and festive celebrations, Hong Kong attracts families seeking both luxury and bargain shopping, along with its diverse culinary offerings.
Japan is another popular destination, drawing 30% of Filipino travelers. Known for its scenic landscapes, festive markets, and deep cultural heritage, Japan offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it an attractive option for those wanting to experience something different during the holidays.
A growing trend among Filipino travelers is the increasing preference for contactless payments. A recent survey commissioned by Visa and conducted by YouGov in August 2024 revealed that 66% of Filipino travelers now favor using mobile wallets and tap-to-pay cards for their transactions. Additionally, 67% expressed plans to acquire cards with contactless features, reflecting the rising adoption of digital payment solutions.
However, despite the shift toward cashless methods, 71% of holiday travelers still carry cash as a backup, particularly for destinations where digital payment options may not be as widely available. This indicates that while contactless payments are becoming more popular, many Filipino travelers continue to rely on cash, especially in areas that have yet to fully embrace digital transactions.
As the holiday season approaches, this blend of evolving payment methods and a desire for experience-driven travel highlights the changing dynamics of how Filipinos navigate their journeys. Whether paying with contactless technology or cash, the core of Filipino travel remains rooted in creating meaningful experiences and moments shared with loved ones—values that remain as significant as the destinations themselves.
Jeff Navarro, country manager for Visa Philippines, said, “At Visa, we are committed to ensuring a seamless, secure, and convenient experience for Filipino travelers heading abroad and for inbound visitors to the Philippines. We recognize that tourism plays a vital role in the economy, contributing to job creation and overall growth. We’re working to support the Filipino government’s efforts to enhance tourism by improving digital payment methods and providing tourists with an enjoyable experience, which will help to further drive economic development and strengthen the tourism industry.”
He added, “As cross-border travel continues to grow, Visa sees a tremendous opportunity to remain a key part of the traveler’s journey. The convenience and security of digital payment options give travelers greater confidence when making transactions abroad—whether they are booking accommodation, dining, or shopping. Our goal is to continue supporting travelers at every stage, from planning and booking to the entirety of their trip, by encouraging the use of Visa for a seamless, secure, and hassle-free payment experience.”
