AT A GLANCE
The Filipinos have spoken—Palawan is their most preferred tourist destination in the country.
In the recent Pahayag 2023 Second Quarter Survey (PQ2), the top travel destinations preferred by Filipinos were revealed, showing Palawan ranking first on the list.
“Palawan emerged as the most preferred travel destination, with an impressive 23 percent of respondents expressing their desire to visit the breathtaking province," the survey bared.
"Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity, Palawan has captured the hearts of many Filipinos," it added.
The study provided valuable insights into the travel preferences of Filipinos and highlights the diverse choices among different regions of the country.
Aside from Palawan, Baguio, Cebu, Siargao, and Aklan also claimed their spots in the Top 5.
"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," the survey firm stated.
"Cebu and Siargao claimed the third and fourth spots, respectively, with nine percent of respondents choosing Cebu and nine percent opting for Siargao. 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," it added.
Moreover, Aklan, home to the renowned Boracay Island, garnered eight percent of the respondents' preference.
"The stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife of Boracay continue to attract visitors from around the world," the firm said.
In addition, boasting its picturesque landscapes and unique culture, Batanes secured six percent of the respondents' preference, particularly favored by residents of North-Central Luzon with a significant 10 percent expressing their desire to visit.
Bohol and Davao also made it to the list, with 4 percent and 3 percent of respondents selecting them, respectively.
"Davao, popular for its natural wonders and vibrant city life, resonated well with Mindanaoans, with 10 percent of respondents from the region showing interest in exploring the province," the survey firm said.
The survey results underline the diverse preferences and interests of Filipinos when it comes to travel destinations, it was highlighted.
"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," Pahayag noted.
"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," it added.
The PQ2 is an independent and non-commissioned survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. from June 7 to 12 2023. It is a nationwide purposive survey with 1,500 respondents randomly drawn from a market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos.
Only registered Filipino voters were included in the sample, ensuring that the results accurately represent the sentiments of the voting population, it was disclosed.
