Domestic tourism in the Philippines is facing challenges due to rising travel costs, particularly high fuel prices linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The Department of Tourism (DoT) reports that these increased expenses are discouraging potential travelers.
Inflation Affects Travel Spending
We cannot deny that inflation is also one of the factors affecting domestic tourism.
Ryan R. Carlos, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer
Inflation in the Philippines rose to 7.2% in September from 6.1% in August. This increase affects various travel-related expenses, including airfares and accommodations.
- Passenger fuel surcharges are now set between P525 and P1,535 for domestic flights.
- Airlines can charge up to P12,891.29 for international flights, depending on distance.
To tackle these issues, the DoT is collaborating with travel associations to lower costs and is encouraging regional offices to create affordable travel itineraries.
Trends in Domestic Travel
In 2025, domestic tourism was robust, with 74.5% of individuals aged 15 and over taking at least one trip. Of the 136.3 million trips made, independent travelers accounted for 98%, averaging P2,534 in spending.
The data indicates that younger individuals, particularly those aged 25 to 29, are leading in travel participation. This demographic shift highlights the importance of catering to younger travelers in future tourism strategies.