Market Trends of Philippines Car Rental Industry
Online Booking is Expected to Witness Significant Growth During the Forecast Period
Increased concern and awareness about the COVID-19 pandemic and its containment led to a rise in the availability of rental cars, making it easier for people to travel without worrying about vehicle expenses. The rental car market also benefits from the tourism industry, which has increased mobility options for travelers. This expansion of rental car services is mainly due to the proliferation of websites and other online platforms.
As the usage of the internet and smartphones increases among customers, there is a predicted rise in their inclination toward online booking. This inclination is attributed to the customers' desire for detailed access to accommodations, services, and other benefits. The Philippines has seen significant growth in internet infrastructure, contributing to a rise in internet users. As of 2023, approximately 69 million Filipinos had internet access, up from around 48 million in 2018. This surge has driven increased online activity, with users spending an average of nine hours online daily. This trend underscores the country's digital economy growth, supported by efforts to improve internet reliability and accessibility nationwide.
In recent years, the use of technology has become increasingly popular among clients looking to rent cars. This technology provides additional tools for monitoring the performance and maintenance of rental cars in real time. As a result, fleet managers and drivers are better equipped to identify potential problems and quickly implement improvements to their rental services.
The increase in internet booking can be attributed to three main factors: the desire for authentic travel experiences, convenience, and value for money. Start-ups and third-party travel booking businesses are using applications and websites to provide their services. Thus, consumers favor online booking over traditional booking.
Owing to such factors, the online booking segment is expected to witness major growth in the coming years.
The Tourism Segment Holds a Significant Market Share
The Philippines is a nation that thrives on tourism, owing to its pristine white-sand beaches and hospitable people. In the past, the tourism industry contributed over 10% to the country's GDP. However, the pandemic-related international border closures and nationwide lockdowns led to a significant drop of almost 50% in the tourism industry’s direct gross value added over the last two years.
With the slow easing of travel restrictions and the acceleration of vaccination rollout in the country, the Philippine tourism sector is poised to make a strong comeback. The relaxation of testing and quarantine mandates is expected to boost the industry's momentum further, leading to a new era of growth and prosperity for the Philippine tourism ecosystem.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of legal entities opting for car leasing as their preferred mode of transportation. There are several advantages of leasing a car, such as the availability of low monthly payments, tax benefits, the status of owning a new car every few years, and the added benefit of not having to worry about maintenance costs. This trend has gained popularity among businesses of all sizes, allowing them access to a fleet of new cars without the burden of ownership.
According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippines witnessed a remarkable surge in foreign tourism, with over 1.2 million tourists visiting the country during the initial two months of 2024. This is a significant achievement for the country's tourism industry, striving to attract more visitors and promote its diverse culture, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional hospitality services.
With such developments across the country, the car rental service is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years.
