New Agoda data and insight shows that traveler preferences for New Year’s Eve–beach and rural destinations–proved more popular than previous years. Famous cities remain hot and popular destinations, but the travel trend to truly get away and escape continues to dominate the post-pandemic travel recovery.
While Asia-wide, capital cities dominated each market’s top destinations for New Year’s Eve, including the return of Bangkok to Thailand’s number one spot, world-class beach destinations like Cebu (Philippines, #3), Goa (India, #1), Bali (Indonesia, #2), Pattaya (Thailand, #2), Jeju Island (South Korea, #3), and Penang (Malaysia, #2) also made the list with partygoers in 2021 taking advantage of the lifting of restrictions to be more adventurous and explore further. Agoda’s data shows that across many markets there are many newcomers to the NYE 2021 rankings, including coastal destinations Batam Island (Indonesia, #10), Andaman and Nicobar Island (India, #7), and Kenting (Taiwan, #10). Lush green mountains and scenic destinations, including Bohol (the Philippines, #8), Khao Kho (Thailand, #9), and Ninh Binh (Vietnam, #10) also gain in popularity. In Vietnam, Sapa and Dalat knock Hanoi out of the previous year’s top three.
Travelers are taking care of themselves after on-and-off lockdowns in 2021. According to data by Agoda, the preference for 4-5 star hotels is even stronger with Taiwan and Thailand travelers upgrading to 4-5 star hotels, from 1-3.5 star accommodations for New Year’s Eve 2021, joining Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam travelers who chose 4-5 star venues to celebrate the arrival of 2022. In India, 1-3.5 star hotels remained popular among travelers in 2021, reflective of trends in 2020.
“Travel is back, although domestic travel remains the predominant source of business for Asian destinations during the NYE celebration season. Agoda data shows that in addition to the big city, traditional, celebration destinations, travelers across Asia are showing their ongoing desire to get out, to getaway and to escape the constrictions and controls of COVID-impacted cities. The city staycay is booming. Equaling the appeal of Asia’s beaches is the stunning scenery and freedom of open space. In Vietnam, Hanoi was knocked out of the top three by Sapa. Meanwhile, Boracay sprung into the second spot for the Philippines, and Kuching in Borneo unseated Langkawi for a spot in Malaysia’s top three. In addition, consumers want luxury. There are great 4-5 star, luxury, hotel deals available during the COVID recovery. Data shows that Taiwanese and Thai travelers are booking higher star category hotels compared to last year, joining travelers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Korea and Vietnam in the hunt for a luxurious end to a tough 2021,” says Timothy Hughes, Vice President Corporate Development, Agoda.
Most-Booked Philippine Destinations on New Year’s Eve
| 2020 | 2021 |
| Manila | Manila |
| Cebu | Boracay Island |
| Tagaytay | Cebu |
| Subic (Zambales) | Tagaytay |
| Boracay Island | Baguio |
| Baguio | Subic (Zambales) |
| Laguna | Davao City |
| Angeles/Clark | Bohol |
| Batangas | Angeles / Clark |
| Iloilo | Batangas |
Hotel Preference Among Philippine Travelers
| 2020 | 2021 |
| 4-5 stars | 4-5 stars |
- The capital city of Manila retains its #1 spot leading up to NYE once again, followed by sunny Boracay at second spot., Cebu continues to stay in the top three spot with its rich history and proximity to multiple islands, In #4 spot is Tagaytay, close to the city center, offering scenic views of the Taal lake volcano and Baguio’s (#5) winter reminds Filipinos of winters in Europe
- New joiners Bohol known for its unique chocolate hills and nature and Davao City with its hustle and bustle of city life knocked Laguna and Iloilo off the top ten list
- Filipinos are craving city, nature and beaches all the same
- Boracay heads back into the top three destinations
