Tourist behavior and factors influencing accommodation selection: Traveling with children in Cebu, Philippines

The increasing demand for family tourism in the Philippines has brought attention to the unique behaviors and preferences of travelers accompanied by children.This study examines the behavior of tourists traveling with children in Cebu and identifies key factors influencing their accommodation choices based on demographic characteristics.A total of 413 local and international respondents who traveled with children answered the survey questionnaire.The survey gathered data on demographic profiles and how these relate to both tourist behavior and accommodation preferences.Findings revealed that most tourists traveled for leisure, stayed for two to three nights, and chose affordable accommodations such as standard or family rooms.Online platforms were the most common reservation channels, and travel plans were typically made one to two months in advance.Accommodation features considered most important included safety and security, room cleanliness, polite staff service, and convenient location.Free internet access, housekeeping, and family-friendly amenities such as swimming pools with lifeguards also ranked highly.Statistical analysis confirmed that demographic profiles play a significant role in shaping both travel behavior and accommodation preferences.The study's results reinforce the importance of aligning hospitality services with the unique needs of family travelers to enhance destination competitiveness and service satisfaction.