MANILA -- When it comes to leisure travel, Japan is on top of the list of Filipino travelers, according to a survey. 

Digital payments company Visa has released the results of its Green Shoots Radar Study, which analyzes consumer sentiments across sectors such as financial services, commerce, and travel. The online survey was conducted among 8,000 respondents in 14 Asia Pacific markets, including 500 consumers in the Philippines, in January 2024. 

It found that 24% of Filipino respondents have traveled abroad for leisure or business purposes in the past year. Japan emerged as their top leisure destination with 32% visiting in 2023, followed by Singapore (22%), Hong Kong (21%), and Thailand (18%).

On the other hand, Singapore was number one among Filipinos for business trips (25%) followed by Japan (23%), with United States and Hong Kong tied at third place with 18%. 

Jeff Navarro, country manager for Visa Philippines, sees the findings as an opportunity to maintain their visibility among Filipino travelers. In a statement, he said this can be done with the use of technology, from being present in online searches to smoother transactions on travel apps. 

Other findings of the Green Shoots Radar Study include:

* Sixty-five percent (65%) of Filipino respondents are planning to go on another overseas trip in the next 12 months. The top 3 destinations intended for this period are Japan (38%), South Korea (29%), and Singapore (16%). For business travel, Japan (19%), Canada (13%), and South Korea (12%) are the most likely destinations.

* Filipino respondents prefer to book flights directly from the provider's website (44%).

* Among those who booked their accommodations through online travel agencies and paid the full amount among booking, credit card is the most popular payment option (41%), followed by mobile or e-wallets (28%).

Filipinos rank 7th in Japan tourist arrivals

More Millennials, GenZs seen traveling with loved ones in 2024