Survey: 95% of Asia-Pacific Travelers Unfazed by Rising Costs, Taiwan Leads in Travel Confidence

(CNA Taipei, June 30) Travel industry insiders have pointed out that according to a survey, 95% of Asia-Pacific travelers will still travel as planned this year despite increased travel costs, without canceling or postponing their trips due to cost factors. Notably, Taiwanese travelers exhibit the highest travel confidence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Klook released its latest "Asia-Pacific Travel Pulse 2026 H2" survey, which polled travelers who have traveled in the past six months or plan to travel in the next six months to understand travel preferences and consumption trends. The survey covered 10 key markets including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, India, and Indonesia. The survey was conducted via online questionnaire in June 2026, targeting travelers aged 18 to 42, and collected a total of 1,020 valid responses.

The conflict in the Middle East has led to soaring oil prices, increasing travel costs for passengers. Klook stated in a press release that according to the survey, despite continuous fluctuations in travel costs, the willingness of Asia-Pacific travelers to travel remains extremely strong. Among them, Taiwanese travelers' travel confidence ranks highest in the Asia-Pacific region, with 86% indicating their confidence in traveling in the second half of 2026 is the same or higher than at the beginning of the year, which is 14% higher than the Asia-Pacific average, demonstrating a high willingness to travel among Taiwanese travelers.

Klook pointed out that 72% of Asia-Pacific travelers stated that their travel confidence in the second half of the year is the same or higher than in the first half, an increase from 61% in the first half.

When faced with rising travel costs, Klook indicated that most Asia-Pacific travelers choose to maintain their travel plans but control their budgets through smarter planning. Taiwanese travelers, in addition to their preference for searching for deals and booking in advance, are more inclined to stick to their original destinations but opt for more affordable flights or accommodations.

Furthermore, Klook stated that two-thirds of Asia-Pacific travelers wish to explore more places in a single trip, primarily to deeply experience local culture, discover hidden attractions, and maximize their travel budget. 77% of Asia-Pacific travelers visit surrounding towns or less popular attractions in addition to popular cities.

73% are more willing to travel to second or third-tier cities specifically for concerts, music festivals, or special events. Taiwanese travelers show an even higher willingness, exceeding the Asia-Pacific average by 3%, indicating that special events have become a significant driving force for Taiwanese travelers to explore niche cities.

Klook noted that in terms of travel decisions, over half of Asia-Pacific travelers stated that they first decide on the activities they want to participate in when planning a trip, and then choose their destination. Four out of five Asia-Pacific travelers have sought travel inspiration and even booked experiences through social media.

Klook also pointed out that in terms of travel spending, 8 out of 10 travelers expressed their willingness to spend the same or more budget on experiences compared to last year.

Taiwanese travelers are choosing to travel despite rising costs, with Japan remaining a top choice for many. Rakuten Travel stated that as the trend of traveling to Japan continues to heat up, bookings for "Hokkaido" have doubled compared to the same period last year, surpassing popular cities like Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka. Not only has it doubled year-on-year, but it has also been the top destination for Taiwanese travelers for two consecutive months.

Additionally, Agoda issued a press release today stating that the travel preferences of Taiwanese travelers are constantly evolving. According to statistics on search data for accommodations in July and August from January to June, while traditional popular destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa still hold the top spots in overall searches, there is a divergence in preferences for "emerging travel destinations" between general travelers and family travelers. Miyako Island, loved by both general travelers and families, has become the most outstanding dark horse, while other destinations have their own unique appeals, reflecting the different core needs of these two groups for their summer vacation plans. (Editor: Guan Zhong-wei) 1150630

Stand with facts, your every contribution is a force to protect press freedom

Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP to get the latest news in real-time

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.