Traditionally one of the biggest annual travel periods for Asia Pacific travelers, this Lunar New Year, Agoda reveals changing travel patterns emerging. According to booking data from Agoda.com, Filipinos, like those from the rest of the region, will be exploring domestic destinations to ring in the year of the Ox.
With most international borders closed, Pinoys are making the most out of the situation while exercising caution. Based on Agoda booking data, Cebu tops the list of domestic destinations. Tagaytay (number 2) and Boracay (number 4), locations that aren’t traditionally frequented by Pinoys during this period, entered the top five this year–further proving that Filipinos are going to what’s within their reach–edging out Davao City and Palawan from last year’s top 5 list.
2021 Versus 2020 Top Lunar Year Destinations
| Top Lunar Year Destinations – Philippines – 2021 | Top Lunar Year Destinations – Philippines – 2020 |
| 1. Cebu | 1. Manila |
| 2. Tagaytay | 2. Cebu |
| 3. Manila | 3. Baguio City |
| 4. Boracay | 4. Palawan |
| 5. Baguio City | 5. Davao City |
In 2021:
Filipinos are using the Lunar New Year for a quick escape—making the most of what’s available—both for destinations and accommodations. According to Agoda data, travelers are looking at 1 to 3.5 star-hotels. There is also an upward trend in the search and bookings for Agoda Homes – non-hotel accommodation that offer more ‘home comfort’ facilities including kitchens and separate living and sleeping spaces.
Couples emerged as the top type of Filipino traveler that will be traveling during the Lunar New Year—strengthening the idea that Pinoys are keeping any travel within allowable parameters of government health and safety protocols.
“Just like the mythical Ox of the Chinese zodiac, the Asian traveler is proving their resilience and strength this Lunar New Year through their determination to get away and make the most of domestic travel opportunities. In a change from non-COVID times, our data shows us that beach and countryside spots are more popular than capital city breaks and high energy destinations. People want to reward their hard work and resilience with upgraded stays in top class areas, be it beach destinations, such as Boracay Island (the Philippines) or Phu Quoc (Vietnam), scenic mountains like Khao Yai (Thailand) and Chiayi (Taiwan), or historic cultural destinations like Xian (China),” said Timothy Hughes, Vice President Corporate Development.
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Pinoy travelers can enjoy Agoda’s upcoming Lunar New Year Sale and enjoy savings up to 80% across a wide range of accommodation. Booking period starts on 28 January to 16 February 2021 for stays during 28 January – 30 April 2021.
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Data is based on Agoda’s search data, collected on 10 January 2021, with comparable check-in dates as first day of LNY for each respective year – 25 January 2020 and 12 February 2021.
