Over the past year, there has been a noticeable shift in Filipino travelers’ preferences, with more passengers choosing business class for flights to destinations like the United States and various parts of Asia. According to a report from Trevolution Group, although economy-class tickets still dominate the market, business-class ticket sales have experienced significant growth.
In 2024, economy-class bookings made up 94 percent of total flight bookings, growing by 36 percent to $200.19 million. However, business-class ticket sales rose by 10.5 percent, totaling $12.56 million. This trend reflects not only increased consumer spending in the Philippines but also the evolving needs of Filipino travelers who are now willing to invest in extra comfort, particularly on long-haul flights.
Trevolution’s parent company, Dynnino Group of Companies, attributes the growth in travel demand to the Philippines’ strong economic resilience. Alex Weinstein, founder of Trevolution, noted that more Filipinos are choosing to upgrade their travel experience, signaling a change in the country’s travel habits. “The increase in travel demand shows that Filipinos are looking for higher levels of comfort and convenience,” Weinstein said.
Top Destinations and Changing Travel Patterns
Filipino travelers have also shown a shift in the types of trips they are taking. In 2024, the United States, Hong Kong, and Thailand were the top destinations, with families often being the primary travelers. Adventure trips, cultural experiences, and weekend getaways have become more popular, contributing to a boost in tourism activities.
There was also a slight change in booking patterns. Round-trip tickets, which traditionally accounted for most bookings, fell to 87.3 percent, down from 90.1 percent in 2023. One-way tickets, on the other hand, increased by 32 percent for outbound trips and 39 percent for return trips, suggesting a trend toward more flexible and extended travel.
With ongoing infrastructure improvements and international partnerships, the future of Filipino travel looks promising, offering even more opportunities for exploration in comfort and style.
