Agoda data shows changing Taiwan travel trends, with Busan replacing Bangkok among outbound favourites and the Philippines recording the fastest growth in inbound interest.
Agoda has reported significant changes in Taiwan travel trends during the first half of 2026. Accommodation searches show that Busan replaced Bangkok among the five most popular outbound destinations, while the Philippines recorded the strongest increase in inbound travel interest.
The digital travel platform based its findings on accommodation searches made between January and June 2026, compared with the same period in 2025. Destinations in Japan and South Korea continued to attract strong demand, although Taiwanese travellers also showed growing interest in island and long-haul destinations.
Busan replaces Bangkok among leading destinations
Bangkok dropped out of Agoda’s five most searched destinations for Taiwanese travellers during the first half of the year. Thailand has traditionally ranked among Taiwan’s major outbound markets, but Busan took Bangkok’s place in the latest rankings.
Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, attracted more than 200,000 Taiwanese visitors during the first quarter of 2026, according to statistics from the Busan Metropolitan Government. Taiwan ranked as the city’s largest international source market during the period.
The destination offers coastal scenery, local markets, cable cars, luge attractions and cafés. Short travel times and direct air connections also support demand from the Taiwanese market.
Busan’s entry into the top five reflects continued interest in Northeast Asian destinations. It also indicates that Taiwanese travellers are expanding their itineraries beyond established urban centres in Japan and South Korea.
Miyako Island records fastest outbound growth
Japan’s Miyako Island recorded the fastest growth in accommodation searches from Taiwan. Agoda searches increased almost tenfold compared with the first half of 2025.
Airlines introduced direct flights from Taipei and Taichung to Miyako Island earlier in 2026. The new services have improved access to the island and supported greater travel interest from Taiwanese residents.
The increase highlights demand for beach and island destinations within short-haul flying distance. Miyako Island forms part of Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture and attracts visitors through its coastline, marine activities and natural environment.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese travellers also showed increased interest in long-haul journeys. Searches for New York rose nearly fourfold compared with the same period last year.
The growth in New York searches suggests that demand is expanding beyond regional destinations. However, Japan and South Korea continue to account for a substantial share of outbound accommodation searches from Taiwan.
Philippines leads inbound interest growth
Hong Kong remained Taiwan’s largest inbound source market during the first six months of 2026. The market continued to benefit from frequent transport connections and demand for short-haul travel.
The Philippines recorded the fastest increase in inbound travel interest. Agoda searches from Filipino travellers for accommodation in Taiwan rose by 53% year on year.
Data from the Taiwan Tourism Administration showed that more than 210,000 visitors from the Philippines travelled to Taiwan during the first quarter of 2026. This represented an increase of 43% compared with the first quarter of 2025.
The figures indicate continued growth in travel between the Philippines and Taiwan. They also show how Southeast Asian markets are becoming more important to Taiwan’s inbound tourism sector.
Filipino visitors explore destinations beyond Taipei
Agoda’s data also identified changes in the destinations that Filipino travellers search for within Taiwan. Interest has expanded beyond Taipei to cities, rural destinations and outlying islands.
Accommodation searches for Kaohsiung from the Philippines increased nearly 3.5 times year on year. Searches for Chiayi doubled during the same period.
Kaohsiung offers urban attractions, cultural districts, port facilities and connections to southern Taiwan. Chiayi serves as an access point for Alishan and other nature-based destinations in the central and southern parts of the island.
Kinmen and Green Island also ranked among the fastest-growing Taiwanese destinations for Filipino travellers. Searches for both islands increased by more than three times compared with the first half of 2025.
The growth suggests stronger interest in nature, coastal landscapes and island tourism products among Southeast Asian visitors. It also indicates that inbound demand is spreading across a wider range of Taiwanese destinations.
Agoda identifies changing market preferences
Jishan Chai, Country Director for Taiwan at Agoda, said: “Agoda’s data highlights the trends powering Taiwan’s tourism in 2026, with emerging source markets like the Philippines opening new opportunities. We’re also seeing Taiwanese travelers shifting their preferences, moving beyond traditional hotspots to explore a wider range of destinations. It’s an exciting time as both regional gems and long-haul adventures capture the imagination of travelers seeking unique and enriching journeys. We’re looking forward to empowering even more travelers to expand their horizons in the second half of the year.”
Agoda currently provides access to more than 130,000 flight routes, over six million holiday properties and more than 300,000 activities through its platform. The company aims to use this inventory to connect Taiwanese travellers with international destinations and support inbound bookings to Taiwan.