Palawan has emerged as the “most preferred tourist destination” among Filipinos, with Baguio City coming in as a far second, an independent survey on Philippine tourism showed.
The poll, dubbed PAHAYAG 2023 Second Quarter Survey listed the top travel destinations preferred by Filipinos, with Palawan mustering 23 percent of the respondents, followed by Baguio City with 16 percent, the pollster PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. said.
“The study provides valuable insights into the travel preferences of Filipinos and highlights the diverse choices among different regions of the country,” it added.
Result of the survey, indicated that 23 percent of the respondents expressed their desire to visit Palawan which was known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity,
“Palawan has captured the hearts of many Filipinos,” the survey stated.
Baguio City, tagged as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, secured the second position, with 16 percent of respondents selecting it as their preferred destination. Famous for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and vibrant culture, Baguio City continues to attract travelers seeking a unique experience.
Cebu and Siargao picked up the third and fourth spots, respectively, with identical nine percent rating. Notably,
Cebu stood out as the preferred destination among Visayans, with a significant 21 percent of respondents from the region expressing their interest in visiting the province. Siargao, on the other hand, captivated the attention of Mindanaoans, with 13 percent of respondents from the region selecting it as their preferred destination, the researchers explained.
Aklan, home to the world-renowned Boracay Island, garnered only eight percent of the respondents’ preference. The stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife of Boracay continue to attract visitors from around the world. Batanes, with its picturesque landscapes and unique culture, secured 6% of the respondents’ preference, particularly favored by residents of North-Central Luzon, with a significant 10% expressing their desire to visit.
Bohol and Davao brought the tail end of the list, with four percent and three percent, respectively. Davao, popular for its natural wonders and vibrant city life, resonated well with Mindanaoans, with 10 percent of the respondents from the region showing interest in exploring the province.
The survey results underline the diverse preferences and interests of Filipinos when it comes to travel destinations. The enchanting beauty of Palawan, the charm of Baguio City, and the cultural experiences offered by Cebu, Siargao, Aklan, Batanes, Bohol, and Davao have all contributed to their popularity among travelers.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) of the Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to showcasing the unparalleled beauty and attractions of the country with the launch of its new tagline, “LOVE the Philippines.” This new tagline encapsulates the spirit of appreciation and admiration for the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality that the Philippines has to offer.
The PAHAYAG 2023 Second Quarter Survey (PQ2) is an independent and non- commissioned survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. between 7-12 June 2023.
It is a nationwide purposive survey with 1,500 respondents randomly drawn from a market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos maintained by PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with a multinational presence with respondents, and distributed across five geographical areas: National Capital Region (NCR), North Central Luzon (NCL), South Luzon (SL), Visayas (Vis), and Mindanao (Min). Only registered Filipino voters were included in the sample, ensuring that the results accurately represent the sentiments of the voting population.