Milieu Insight announced findings of domestic travel plans for summer vacation across The Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand as Covid-19 restrictions ease.
With much of the movement restrictions across Asia being lifted, the travel industry is finally opening up. Over 80% of domestic travellers in The Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam have indicated a likelihood to engage with travel agency services for their domestic travel and vacation plans.
Domestic travel has shown to be widely accepted by travellers – the reasons is because travellers do not wish to be unwittingly stranded from home and work in case of a pandemic resurgence.
Travellers from Indonesia (89%), Vietnam (83%) and Thailand (79%) have expressed the least concern for themselves when it comes to domestic travel. This willingness to travel is also reflected in the domestic travel policies of these countries as there are minimum restrictions involved in their domestic movements.
In February 2022, Vietnam saw a total of 9.6 million domestic travellers. In The Philippines, 40% of respondents remain highly concerned for their safety even towards domestic travel, which is still limited to selected destinations and with restrictions (as of May 11, 2022).
When planning for their upcoming summer vacation, most travellers across all five countries are looking to unwind and reconnect with their family after two years of pandemic isolation: The Philippines 83%, Indonesia 82%, Vietnam 78%, Malaysia 81%, Thailand 79%.
In April 2022, Indonesia saw mudik mass migration for the end of Ramadan, where the Indonesian Transport Ministry estimated 31% of the population travelled back to their hometown to spend time with their extended family.
Hotels remain the top choice for accommodation across all five countries, with 50% of travellers in Vietnam showing a preference for resorts, and 54% from Thailand preferring pool villas.
Family friendly destinations should look to see high popularities this summer, especially places that are inclusive towards multigenerational groups. Activities may include road trips neighbouring states, visiting a beach resort, or unwinding in a tranquil village.
Despite only travelling within their home countries, most South-east Asian travellers will still engage with a travel agency to plan for their domestic travel and vacation plans – Indonesia (85%), The Philippines (82%) and Vietnam (83%). Engaging with a travel agent may ensure a less stressful trip, creating more time and leisure for travellers to enjoy their first post-pandemic vacation.
