Airbnb recently launched its new #TravelAsJuan campaign that aims to energize the recovery of Philippine tourism throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond.
As part of the campaign, the company is encouraging Filipinos to rediscover the country with their loved ones as they explore unique stays and hidden gems across the nation. The #TravelAsJuan campaign also aligns with the Department of Tourism’s 2022 plan to rebuild a sustainable, resilient and inclusive domestic tourism industry.
Airbnb’s #TravelAsJuan will work closely with its community of #AirbnbJuanderers, including Filipino Hosts and local content creators in response to DOT’s call for Filipinos to become “Ambassadors of Fun.” They will shine a light on the country’s off-the-beaten-path destinations from lesser-known beaches to mountainous getaways and farms as well as provide tips for safer travel. The campaign will kickstart by highlighting destinations where intra- and inter-state travel are currently allowed, and expand to cover more destinations as more cities and provinces reopen.
Airbnb is already seeing a surge in interest in domestic stays as Filipinos look forward to traveling with the platform once more following the recent easing of travel restrictions. In September, searches for Airbnb Stays in Zambales spiked by more than 100 percent month-over-month* after the government announced new travel guidelines allowing Metro Manila residents to travel to areas under more relaxed quarantine restrictions. In the same period, searches for Airbnb Stays in Batangas and Tagaytay almost doubled month-over-month.*
Beachside and nature destinations, especially locations within driving distance of Metro Manila, remain popular among Filipinos. Zambales and Batangas, both popular for their beaches and coves, along with nature-based destinations Tagaytay, Pampanga and Baguio are currently the top five trending destinations among Filipino guests on Airbnb. This follows key findings from a YouGov survey conducted earlier this year, which found that Filipinos want to travel to nature retreats and places within driving distance once they can get back on the road.
The easing of travel restrictions has spurred Filipinos to plan for upcoming trips with their family and loved ones. While Filipino guests on Airbnb are largely searching for Stays with a duration of one to six nights, there is a growing trend for domestic getaways of one week and longer to make up for the past year spent at home. Larger family-friendly Stays are also increasing in popularity as demonstrated by the more than 50 percent spike in guest searches for villas and bed-and-breakfasts month-over-month.*
As Filipinos eagerly make their travel plans, Gen Zs and millennials, who make up 68 percent of Airbnb’s community of new Hosts who came onboard the platform in the first half of this year, are looking forward to welcoming fellow Pinoys into their homes.**
Amanpreet Bajaj, general manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Airbnb shares: “Filipinos are eagerly anticipating the return of domestic travel, and search trends on Airbnb indicate a strong, positive uptick in travel sentiment as restrictions ease. With our wide variety of unique stays hosted by locals across the Philippines, Airbnb offers something for everyone through our #TravelasJuan campaign, which highlights the wonderful places, experiences and communities that make the Philippines such an incredible place to experience for both locals and visitors alike. Airbnb is committed to being a good partner to the government to rejuvenate the country’s tourism sector and help drive travel that is more diverse, resilient and empowering for more people and communities than ever before.”
Safety remains a priority
Health and safety remain a top priority for travelers as they search for upcoming travel accommodations. Airbnb’s Enhanced Clean protocol introduced in June last year is the first overarching standardized guidelines for cleaning and sanitization in the home-sharing industry. Endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the protocol helps guide Hosts across the Philippines to provide safer and cleaner accommodation for guests.
Airbnb also recently announced a partnership with global provider Sherpa, an online tool that provides travelers with real-time travel information on their destinations. Travelers can access information on COVID-19 related requirements, including testing, quarantine and social distancing guidelines. This will help guests plan their trips more effectively as they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 regulations.
*Based on internal Airbnb guest search data in September 2021, as compared to August 2021.
**Based on internal Airbnb data from January to June 2021.