Most Filipinos willing to travel even without COVID-19 vaccine, says Puyat

One of the country’s top tourist destinations: Coron, Palawan. Photo by Katherine G. Adraneda/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Majority of Filipinos are willing to take out-of-town trips and travel during the COVID-19 pandemic even without a vaccine against the new coronavirus disease.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said this Thursday, citing a survey that her agency conducted.

According to Puyat, 77% of the respondents said they are willing to travel even in the absence of a vaccine and that 48% of them are willing to travel within six months from the lifting of travel restrictions.

“The data will show that domestic tourists are important for our industry and I know we can count on their support,” she said during House deliberations on the DOT’s proposed 2021 budget.

The survey likewise showed that Filipinos are still allocating from their monthly income a budget for traveling, which is a “sure sign” that Filipinos will resume traveling “as soon as conditions improve and destinations are opened,” Puyat said.

READ: Puyat sees strong recovery of tourism industry from pandemic effects

Moreover, the survey indicates that Filipinos prefer going to small-group travel with more customized travel experience, with the preference of reduced contact with other people, outdoor or private activities.

The top three trips Filipinos prefer once restrictions are lifted, Puyat said, were beach holidays, road trips, and hotel stays.

Puyat, however, did not give more details on the survey, specifically on the number of respondents and the date it was conducted.

KGA