AirAsia Philippines is celebrating a significant uptick in summer bookings for 2023, achieving an impressive 75% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. This encouraging development spans across both domestic and international travel, indicating a robust recovery in the aviation industry.
Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Country Head, expressed his enthusiasm about this positive trend, stating, “The surge in bookings this summer reflects a strong rebound in travel demand. We are thrilled to witness such enthusiasm from travelers, with reservations reaching unprecedented levels.”
The Top Destinations: A Blend of Domestic and International Hotspots
The most booked destinations by Filipinos for the upcoming summer period highlight a diverse mix of local and international locations. The domestic hotspots include Cebu, Boracay, Tacloban, Iloilo, and Bohol, while for international escapades, travelers are favoring Taipei, Incheon, Bangkok, Narita, and Osaka.
Digital Platforms: The Preferred Booking Method
In an interesting observation, AirAsia Philippines noted that a significant proportion of the bookings were made online, either through the airasia Super App or the AirAsia website. This demonstrates Filipinos’ preference for digital platforms when planning their travels.
Interestingly, group bookings have also started to rise, with a more than 140% increase observed for the months of March to May. According to Dailisan, “This only manifests that aside from solo travels, Filipino travelers are now keen on revisiting their sidelined travel buckets and excited to experience each destination’s cuisine, culture, and traditions along with their family, friends, and colleagues.”
Celebrating the Success: AirAsia Fly Fest
In response to the success and to encourage more travelers, AirAsia Philippines is hosting the second leg of the AirAsia Fly Fest in Cebu on 27-28 May. Not just flight deals, the two-day event at the Ayala Center Terraces will also offer visa services.
Cebu: A Strategic Hub
Recognizing the potential of Cebu as an alternative to the Manila International Airport, AirAsia Philippines is boosting its operations in the city with more international flights to destinations including Narita, Osaka, Seoul, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, and Shenzhen.
The resurgence of bookings for AirAsia Philippines reflects a brighter horizon for travel. As the airline capitalizes on Cebu’s strategic location and continues to provide exceptional service, travelers can look forward to more exciting opportunities for both domestic and international journeys.
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