More Filipinos are choosing Vietnam and China for their overseas holidays as travel preferences shift toward destinations offering more affordable packages, shorter flights and better value for money amid a weakening Philippine peso and continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Outbound travel among Filipinos increased by 7.16 percent to 5.58 million from January to September 2026, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). The figures include Filipinos departing the country for both leisure and employment.
Despite rising travel costs, the data suggest that overseas trips remain a priority for many Filipinos. However, travelers are increasingly adjusting their destination choices to manage expenses and avoid routes affected by international conflicts.
Vietnam Leads Growth in Filipino Travelers
Vietnam recorded the strongest increase among the leading overseas destinations for Filipino travelers, with arrivals from the Philippines surging by 61.73 percent to 436,909 during the first nine months of 2026.
China followed with a 51.04-percent increase to 234,953, while South Korea recorded a 50.57-percent jump to 245,549.
The growing popularity of these destinations reflects Filipino travelers’ interest in Asian countries that offer competitive travel packages, accessible attractions and expanding flight connections.
Travel industry representatives said Vietnam and China have become attractive alternatives for Filipinos looking to stretch their travel budgets.
A five-day group package to Hanoi, for example, can cost as little as ₱20,000 per person, including round-trip airfare from Manila, airport transfers, four-star hotel accommodation, tours covering Hanoi, Sapa and Ha Long Bay, and nine complimentary meals.
Travel companies also reported stronger interest in Chinese destinations such as Shanghai and Chongqing, supported by additional flight connections between the Philippines and China.
The expansion of airline services has made it easier for Filipino tourists to explore cities beyond traditional destinations, opening up more choices for travelers seeking affordable international experiences.
Hong Kong Remains No. 1 Despite Declining Travel
Hong Kong continued to rank as the most visited overseas destination among Filipinos from January to September, attracting 652,365 travelers.
However, the figure represented a 5.6-percent decline compared with the same period last year.
Hong Kong accounted for 11.2 percent of all outbound Filipino travelers during the period, maintaining its position at the top despite losing some visitors.
Japan ranked second with 623,480 Filipino travelers, representing a 7.67-percent increase.
Singapore placed third with 509,256 travelers, although it also recorded a 5.6-percent decline.
Taiwan followed with 500,135 Filipino travelers, posting a strong 23.41-percent increase. Vietnam ranked fifth, while Thailand recorded 385,183 travelers, down slightly by 0.76 percent.
The figures indicate that Filipino travelers are not abandoning international trips but are becoming more selective about where they spend their money.
Middle East Conflict Changes Travel Decisions
Continuing tensions involving the United States and Iran also affected outbound travel patterns, particularly during the traditional summer vacation period.
The number of Filipinos traveling abroad increased by 18.4 percent in March 2026. Growth slowed to 13 percent in April before dropping sharply to 3.34 percent in May.
Travel to several Middle Eastern destinations weakened as tourists avoided routes affected by the conflict and concerns over aviation disruptions.
Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain recorded substantial declines, averaging 22.2 percent during the period.
The impact also extended to travel routes connecting the Philippines to Europe, as some passengers traditionally use Middle Eastern airports as transit points.
The slowdown in overseas travel coincided with reduced deployment of Filipino workers to the region, adding another dimension to the impact of the geopolitical situation.
Weak Peso Pushes Travelers Toward Shorter Asian Trips
The Philippine peso’s depreciation against the US dollar has added pressure to overseas travel budgets, particularly for Filipinos planning longer holidays or trips to destinations with higher accommodation and transportation costs.
The local currency averaged ₱62.613 per dollar in September 2026, compared with ₱59.16 in January and ₱57.29 during September 2025.
Travel industry executives said the weaker peso has encouraged some Filipinos to choose shorter trips within Asia rather than more expensive long-haul destinations.
However, industry representatives noted that traveling to certain Asian countries can still be cheaper than exploring destinations within the Philippines, depending on airfare, accommodation and tour packages.
Vietnam’s relatively affordable travel offerings have made it particularly attractive to budget-conscious tourists.
The increasing availability of flights to Chinese cities has also helped stimulate demand, allowing travelers to compare more destinations and travel arrangements.
South Korea, Taiwan and Other Destinations Gain Ground
Beyond Vietnam and China, several other destinations also recorded significant growth in Filipino outbound travel.
South Korea’s 50.57-percent increase highlights the continuing appeal of Korean tourism, entertainment and shopping experiences among Filipino visitors.
Taiwan also remained a strong choice, with travel increasing by 23.41 percent.
Other destinations outside the traditional Asian travel circuit gained attention as well. New Zealand recorded a 29.4-percent increase, India grew by 29.75 percent, Greece rose by 35.55 percent, and Hungary posted a 63.6-percent jump.
These figures suggest that Filipino travelers are gradually exploring a wider range of international destinations, although nearby Asian countries continue to dominate overall travel preferences.
Travel Industry Remains Optimistic for the Second Half of 2026
Despite the weaker peso and geopolitical uncertainties, travel industry representatives remain optimistic about overseas demand during the second half of the year.
Industry executives said Filipinos may be increasingly booking flights and accommodation months ahead to secure lower prices and avoid sudden increases in travel expenses.
The strategy allows travelers to lock in more affordable rates before currency fluctuations, fuel costs and other economic pressures affect their budgets.
For comparison, total outbound travel among Filipinos reached 7.65 million in 2025, an 11.7-percent increase from the previous year.
The latest figures indicate that international travel remains resilient, but the destinations attracting Filipino tourists are changing.
Vietnam and China are benefiting from competitive prices and improved flight connections, while Hong Kong and Singapore have experienced declines.
As Filipinos become more conscious of travel expenses and international developments, affordability, accessibility and value for money are increasingly shaping their decisions on where to go next.
