Is demand rebounding in the Philippines after the travel ban was lifted? Industry insiders say it’s still too early to tell.

▲ Although the lifting of the travel ban by our Ministry of Foreign Affairs is great news for the tourism industry, it may still take time for consumer demand to bounce back. (Photo / Provided by the Taiwan Office of the Philippine Department of Tourism)

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Special feature

The Philippines was placed under a red travel alert by our country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leaving travel agencies in despair for the past three months. Apart from coinciding with the peak summer travel season—and island getaways being a popular choice during summer vacations—there were also significant cost issues involving chartered flights arranged by travel agencies and airlines, as well as hotel bookings on the ground. The tourism industry suffered heavy losses. But after the ban was lifted, how long will it take for Philippine tourism to recover? Industry players are still waiting to see.

Chen Chih-kuang, senior route controller for the Philippines at Southeast Travel Service, said that the Philippine Department of Tourism and local travel agencies are taking active steps. Various marketing advertisements have been jointly funded and coordinated by agencies, airlines, and the Philippine tourism authority, all hoping to restore Taiwanese travelers’ confidence in visiting the Philippines. However, Chen also noted that no one can say for sure how long it will take for demand to recover after the ban is lifted. He explained that for tour packages to Boracay and Cebu, due to the time needed for airlines to resume chartered flights, departures will only be possible on October 18 and October 10, respectively. Most travelers tend to make concrete bookings about a month in advance (around September), so there is still some time to promote various products and stimulate demand.

When it comes to itinerary planning, Chen Chih-kuang still has the most confidence in Boracay. He said, “In the past three years, the return rate for Boracay has been as high as 40%. Some customers join group tours the first time, and the next time they often choose to go on a free and easy trip with family or friends.” In addition, Chen mentioned that in response to the lifting of the ban, his agency is offering tours to the Philippines at prices around 10% lower than usual, hoping to rebuild traveler confidence even if it means earning thinner profit margins.

Lin, the Southeast Asia route controller at Darong Travel Service, also said that previously, due to the travel alert, all Philippine tour packages were taken off the website, and have only recently been put back on sale. For group and free-and-easy options, those wishing to visit the Philippines in September still need to transfer flights. Direct flights to Boracay will not be available until October 9, via a Philippine Airlines chartered flight. For Cebu, direct flights will resume on October 10 with Far Eastern Air’s chartered service. Palawan is less affected, with flights continuing to operate—and connections still available—via 5J Air (Cebu Pacific).