- Secretary’s Corner
- GAD Activities
- GAD Issuances
- Mission and Vision
- Department Structure
- Key Officials
- Citizen’s Charter
- Attached Agencies
- General Info
- Culture & Arts
- People & Religion
- Tourism Industries Products
- Promotional Fair and Events
- Doing Business
- Philippines RIA Pilot Program
- Tourism Demand Statistics
- Standards Rules and Regulations
- Online Accreditation
- Accredited Establishments
- Learning Management System (LMS)
News and Updates
- Announcements
- Publications
- Bids and Awards
PHL breaches 2.6M arrivals for 2022; DOT chief bullish of 2023 projections
The holidays have delivered further gains for the Philippine tourism industry as it breached its 1.7 million target by year-end with 2.65 million international visitor arrivals as of December 31, 2022, translating to PhP 208.96 billion or USD 3.68 billion in tourism revenue, a 2465.75 percent from the same period last year. The new record has nearly one million additional visitors entering into the country than the year-end target. This was based on the monitoring conducted by the Department of Tourism (DOT) from time the country has reopened its borders for all types of travelers in February until December 31, 2022, where Filipinos abroad were expected to flock back to the country for the annual Christmas and New Year celebrations as well as visits from foreign tourists who chose the Philippines as their holiday destination. Of the total 2.65 million international visitor arrivals last year, 628, 445 were returning Filipinos while the bulk of 2.02 million tourists were foreigners from the country’s top tourist markets from the United States (505,089), South Korea (428,014), Australia (137,974), Canada (121,413), the United Kingdom (101,034), Japan (99,557), Singapore (53,448), India (51,542), Malaysia (46,805), and China (39,627). In her New Year’s Eve message, the tourism chief expressed her elation on the achievements made by the administration of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr. just six months after assuming office. She said this clearly showed the gains of the Marcos administration’s support for tourism and the hard work of the entire tourism industry towards recovery amid the setbacks from the unprecedented crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. “On behalf of the Department of Tourism, we wish you all a New Year filled with abundance, optimism and hope. Moments of great difficulty are also moments of great opportunity. In the past, we have overcome a global pandemic, survived various calamities, and thrived through a host of many other challenges, yet, the Philippine tourism industry has managed to exceed expectations and our tourism partners and frontliners continue to offer the best of Filipino grace and hospitality to the world,” the tourism chief said. Frasco also thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. for his continuous support to the tourism industry as one of the drivers for economic recovery. She noted that the efforts made by the Department, together with its partners, were part of the current administration’s vision for it to be a catalyst for the Philippines’ economic resurgence not only in terms of job opportunities but investments as well. “Therefore, we welcome 2023 with gratitude and excitement for Philippine Tourism to bounce back stronger than ever. We shall welcome with warmth and that distinct Filipino smile visitors from all over the world as they visit our award-winning beaches, experience the richness of our culture, and enjoy our world-renowned Filipino Brand of service excellence,” she said. Meanwhile, the previous year has generated an estimated 5.23 million tourism-related jobs. There were also 11,989 DOT-accredited tourism enterprises as of December 29, 2022. A total of 25,770 tourism stakeholders have also been trained. Last year, Frasco revealed to the media that the DOT is targeting 4.8 million international visitors in 2023 as its baseline but she remains hopeful that the Department will again surpass its targets just like the achievements done in 2022. “We look forward to the continued convergence and collaboration of our tourism stakeholders— travelers, tourism players, national agencies, local government units, and host communities— in propelling our industry to the heights of becoming a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” the tourism chief enthused.
Published:January 2, 2023
Recent News
PBBM LAUDS WINNERS OF DOT’S TOURISM CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE; RAISES FUNDING FOR LGU INFRA PROPOSALS TO P255M
DOT UNVEILS TOURIST REST AREA IN PALAWAN
THE PHILIPPINES VIES FOR 7 AWARDS AS ASIA’S BEST FOR THE 2024 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
LOVE THE FLAVORS, LOVE THE PHILIPPINES: THE PHILIPPINE EATSPERIENCE OPENS IN RIZAL PARK AND INTRAMUROS IN MANILA
DOT CHAMPIONS GENDER EQUALITY WITH SUCCESFUL HOSTING OF INAUGURAL PATA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WOMEN IN TRAVEL
PHILIPPINES TO BEEF TOURISM COOPERATION WITH AUSTRIA
THE PHILIPPINES RECORDS 1.2M INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS IN FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 2024
DOT, TPB TO ELEVATE PHILIPPINE EXPERIENCE, LEAD BIGGEST PHL DELEGATION TO ITB BERLIN 2024
TOURISM CHIEF BACKS CALLS FOR RETURN OF BOLJOON PULPIT PANELS TO CHURCH
CRK ROUTES ASIA 2024 WIN TO BOOST PH INT’L TOURIST ARRIVALS
TOURISM CHIEF LAUDS ‘CULTURAL HERITAGE AND HISTORY’ OF ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, COMMITS DOT’S SUPPORT TO PROVINCE’S TRANSFORMATION INTO A ‘TOURISM GEM’
DOT BOOSTS MEDICAL TOURISM EFFORTS WITH THE RELEASE OF UPDATED ACCREDITATION GUIDELINES FOR DENTAL CLINICS
DIVE TOURISM CONTRIBUTES P73 BILLION TO PH ECONOMY IN 2023 FRASCO
DOT TAKES THE LEAD IN UNITING THE GLOBAL DIVING COMMUNITY WITH PHIDEX 2024
PATA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WOMEN IN TRAVEL TO BE HELD IN BOHOL, PHILIPPINES FROM MARCH 20 – 22, 2024
DOT TO PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR TOURISM OFFICERS THROUGH AIM, ATOP PARTNERSHIP
ZOZOBRADO TAKES OATH AS PHILIPPINE RETIREMENT AUTHORITY CHIEF
DOT AWARDS BRAND NEW TWO-BEDROOM SMDC CONDO TO FIL-CANADIAN WINNER OF BISITA, BE MY GUEST PROGRAM
NEXT STOP: ENTERTAINMENT HUB
DOT REVIVES PHILIPPINE TOURISM AWARDS
DOT LAUDS WINNERS OF ASEAN TOURISM AWARDS 2024
DOT TO HOST THE PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL DIVE EXPO (PHIDEX) IN FEBRUARY 2024
PHL IS LEAD COUNTRY COORDINATOR ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASEAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN POST-2025
DOT, TIEZA EARMARK P15 MILLION FOR MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE RESTORATION PROJECT; FRASCO REITERATES SUPPORT FOR PH HISTORIC SITES, HERITAGE TOURISM
FRASCO TO LEAD PH DELEGATION AT THE ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2024 IN LAOS
DOT CHIEF: SINULOG ALLOWS TOURISTS TO IMMERSE “IN AN EXPERIENCE THAT TRANSCENDS THE ORDINARY
DOT, DMW LAUNCH BALIK BAYANI SA TURISMO PROGRAM
PALAWAN GETS NOD AS WORLD TOP TRENDING DESTINATION IN 2024 BY TRIPADVISOR’S BEST OF THE BEST
DOT CHIEF: MORE LONG WEEKENDS TO BOOST DOMESTIC TOURISM IN THE COUNTRY
DOT Chief: Philippines surpasses yearend target with 5.45 million int’l visitor arrivals in 2023, int’l visitor receipts surge at PHP482.54 billion
Frasco proudly presents WTA awards to PBBM
DOT lauds PPP framework for Tourist Rest Area in Carmen, Cebu
DOT breaches industry targets for 2023; Frasco bullish on country’s continued tourism transformation under Marcos administration in 2024
Philippines cited for Global Tourism Resilience, wins World’s Best Beach, Dive, City Awards
DOT inaugurates first Tourist Rest Area in Bohol Island
PH wins big at international award-giving bodies
Philippine tourism earnings surge to 404B in first 10 months of 2023 – DOT chief
DOT hails inclusion of CRK as world’s most beautiful airport
DOT chief joins global tourism leaders in WTM Ministers’ Summit 2023 in London
Philippines, Japan ink deal on tourism cooperation
UNESCO Gastronomy City citation for Iloilo boosts gastro, creative tourism – Frasco
DOT’s Alternative Livelihood Training Program signals hope and recovery as Oriental Mindoro’s tourism industry bounces back after oil spill woes
Dot wins back-to-back best videos at world tourism organization competition.
The Philippines vies for 4 major awards at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2023
DOT chief joins high-level UNWTO Global Education Forum as panelist
The Philippines joins UNWTO General Assembly as Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific; prestigious global position held again after 24 years
DOT BARES 15 TOP LGU PROPOSALS FOR TOURISM CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE
Philippines Named Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023 by World Cruise Awards
Filipino Hospitality Excellence soars with DOT surpassing 100k target
TIEZA Philippine Tourism Investment Summit 2023: Uniting Public and Private Sectors to Fuel Tourism Growth
Frasco to join world tourism leaders in 25th unwto general assembly.
LOVE THE PHILIPPINES! Boracay, Palawan, Siargao voted among Asia’s best by Condé Nast Traveler readers
Tourism industry generates Php344 Billion in int’l visitor receipts in 9 months; Frasco seeks Senators’ support to usher in the “Golden Era” of Philippine tourism
DOT launches Tourist Assistance Call Center
Tourism chief visits Tawi-Tawi in PHL, assures LGU, tourism stakeholders of Marcos admin’s full support
Phl records more than 4m foreign visitors; dot optimistic on robust rebound of tourism.
Film Heritage building to rise, boost PH film tourism
DOT chief bares bold prospects for PH tourism at Global Tourism Economy Forum
Frasco to speak at UNWTO Global Tourism Economy Forum
DOT, TPB bring back on-site PHITEX 2023 in Cebu
Frasco thanks lawmakers for the swift approval and support for increase of Php 2.7 B DOT budget
DOT’s Bisita, Be My Guest program awards first raffle winners
Philippines’ FIBA hosting boosts hotel occupancy, visitor arrivals – Tourism Chief
1st Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue unites Dive Industry: 37B raked in 2022
Boost in PH medical tourism seen with public-private convergence
Philippines wins “Asia’s Leading Dive Destination” at prestigious World Travel Awards 2023
DOT affirms support to peace and security efforts under Marcos administration
Frasco cites PBBM’s policies, programs for the industry at PTM 2023
DOT inks deal with Cebu LGU for more Tourist Rest Areas, “Heritage City” Carcar thanks DOT for TRA
DOT in full support to FIBA World Cup Opening Day
DOT, TESDA ink deal to expand tourism education, reinforce tourism training opportunities
DOT, NCIP ink partnership to empower indigenous peoples, protect and promote cultural heritage through tourism
Lawmakers laud tourism initiatives, bat for higher 2024 budget for DOT
PHL records Php 286B tourism receipts from January to July; Frasco bares efforts to support tourism in Central Visayas
PBBM’s prioritization makes tourism among top drivers of economic growth– DOT Chief
DOT inaugurates first Tourist Rest Area in Mindanao; Frasco bares plan to build 15 more TRAs across the country
Dot records more inbound flights to phl, increase in domestic air routes.
Tourism Chief highlights Culinary Tourism in PHL at World Chefs Asia President Forum 2023
NMP-Cebu to spur tourism development in Visayas Region—Frasco
DOT Chief welcomes e-Visa system for Chinese tourists
DOT positions PHL as one of Asia’s most LGBT-friendly destinations
From courtside to paradise: DOT supports FIBA World Cup hosting with Philippine Tour Packages
DOT bares tourism milestones under PBBM’s first year in office; Secretary Frasco optimistic on exceeding industry targets for 2023
PHL int’l tourist arrivals breach 3M mark; tourism receipts surge at P212.47 billion
Frasco inaugurates first ever DOT Tourist Rest Area in PHL
Pbbm trusts frasco, tourism chief gets widespread support.
Frasco launches Philippines Hop-On-Hop-Off for Manila
DOT chief grateful for continued support from lawmakers, employees
Love the Philippines draws widespread support
DOT’s enhanced branding is Philippines’ Love Letter to the world
Batanes joins UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories inclusion is a manifestation of Philippines’ successful sustainability efforts in local destinations – DOT chief
The Philippines elected as Vice President of UNWTO General Assembly after 24 Years, nabs Chairmanship of Commission for East Asia and the Pacific
DOT eyes increased arrivals from Cambodia
DOT welcomes positive tourism figures for FY2022; vows sustained industry recovery drive under the Marcos administration
Ph vies for six nominations for the wta 2023.
DOT rallies support of tourism stakeholders on digitalization initiatives
Heritage and Arts Tours in San Juan City get support from DOT
Tourism chief, Deputy Speaker Frasco donate for education of Pagsanjan boatmen’s children
Tour Guides to get more livelihood with Digital Bookings
DOT commits full support on Laguna’s local tourism resurgence; vows for more tourism projects in the province
TWG convened to drive up CRK utilization; travel and tourism to remain ‘spark of hope’ for Clark – Secretary Frasco
Philippines wins Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year Award (Non-OIC)
Dot supports malacañang heritage tours.
The country’s colorful marine life takes the spotlight in DOT’s Anilao Underwater Shootout
DOT, DND, DILG forge pact to make Mindanao a peaceful and viable tourist destination
DOT, PRA ink partnership
DOT lauds Rosquillos Festival’s showcase of local culture, contribution to local tourism
PHL participation in int’l, local travel and trade fairs yields more than P3 billion in business leads—DOT Chief
More than 43k workers receive dot training on the filipino brand of service excellence (fbse).
DOT vows support to SOCCSKSARGEN, Mindanao
Pbbm approval of phl tourism plan to spur tourism transformation, employment, philippines’ int’l visitor arrivals breach 2m.
DOT lauds PATA’s initiative to rebuild tourism communities in Laguna, Pagsanjan Falls
Filipino tourism frontliners recognized during DOT’s 50th founding anniversary celebration
DOT supports new country brand under the Marcos administration
DOT welcomes the resumption of chartered flights to PHL top destination Boracay
Medical Tourism pushed by Marcos Administration with strategic global partnership – DOT Chief
Frasco meets US filmmakers, media execs to promote Philippine tourism
Record number 1,400 Koreans arrive to Filipino welcome led by Tourism Secretary Frasco
Tourism chief Frasco dives in Puerto Galera, provides alternative livelihood to Oriental Mindoro
Philippine-Turkiye air service deal to boost tourism- DOT Chief
DOT-DOLE Tourism Job Fairs offer more than 8K jobs; 3rd leg set in May
DOT, DOTr jointly conduct inspection at NAIA T2 ahead of Holy Week break
More than 6k jobs up for grabs at DOT’s PHL tourism job fair
Go Negosyo, DOT mount Tourism Summit in Cebu
Business as usual in Puerto Galera; DOT to train tourism workers affected by oil spill for alternative livelihood – Frasco
DOT holds Philippine visa reforms convergence
Philippines hits 260M negotiated sales, bags recognition at the ITB Berlin 2023
DOT chief unveils National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 at stakeholders’ summit
Frasco meets with Central Europe tourism players, vows prioritization of tourism under Marcos Administration
Philippines comes back with biggest delegation to ITB Berlin, bags sustainable tourism recognitions
Oil Spill affecting tourist sites – DOT Chief
DOT issues guidelines pushing for more openness for tourism enterprises
Tourism chief to lead biggest PHL delegation to ITB Berlin 2023
PHL feted Best Dive Destination anew
New Flights from Clark to boost tourism, decongest NAIA
Frasco lauds Ilocos Norte’s Tan-Ok festival as manifestation of the Philippine Experience’
Frasco: Panagbenga Festival touts Baguio’s tourism resurgence
DOT extends ‘free accreditation’ for tourism establishments
DOT Chief launches Tourism Champions Challenge’ to spur tourism development in LGUs
PHL secures back-to-back nominations at the 2023 World Travel Awards
Frasco convenes first TCC meeting, forecasts full domestic recovery in 2023
Frasco leads groundbreaking of new tourist pit stop to boost Palawan tourism
Frasco leads grand welcome reception for cruise passengers, says ‘PHL aims to be cruise hub in Asia’
Japanese stakeholders bullish of PHL tourism prospects
PBBM, Tourism chief engage Japanese tourism stakeholders in high-level meet in Tokyo
Tourism chief affirms DOT’s support to PH Dev’t Plan 2023-2028
Chinese tourists receive warm welcome from PHL; DOT foresees swifter tourism recovery with Chinese outbound group tour
PHL, CHINA ink tourism implementation deal
DOT lands on Top 3 Highest Approval Rating among Government Agencies; bares targets for 2023
DOT, DICT ink deal for improvement of connectivity in tourist destinations, digitalization of services
DOT, DMW launch newest incentivized tourism promotions campaign
DOT, TIEZA launch 7th Tourist Rest Area in Pagudpud’s Saud Beach
Tourist Rest Area to rise in Bohol
Luzon’s First DOT Tourist Rest Area to Rise In Baguio City
DOT strengthens PHL-Saudi Arabia tourism relations, engages industry key players
Statement of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on the Launch of the e-Travel System
Filipino hospitality, Philippine sustainable tourism highlighted at WTTC Global Summit Saudi Arabia
Frasco welcomes Uzakrota World’s Leading Country Award, PHL destinations’ citations
Frasco eyes more urban parks in the Philippines
DOT’s Frasco is among best-performing cabinet officials- RPMD Survey
Frasco hails first-ever North Luzon Travel Fair as critical to revitalizing tourism; reiterates the Philippines’ readiness for visitors
DOT welcomes long holidays for 2023; PBBM signing of Proclamation No. 90 important stimulus to PHL domestic tourism in 2023: DOT chief
PHL visitor arrivals reach 2M; tourism revenue hit 100B – DOT Chief
Philippines hailed as World’s Leading Dive and Beach Destinations
PHL Tourism Chief initiates tourism cooperation talks with Italian Tourism Minister
Palawan cited “Most Desirable Island” in 21st Wanderlust Travel Award
Outlook for Philippine tourism positive – tourism chief
DOT launches 1st North Luzon Travel Fair
Tourism chief to lead PHL contingent to WTM, brings listening tours to FILCOM in UK
PBBM oks easing of stringent travel restrictions
PHITEX 2022 yields record high 173M sales leads
One Health Pass replaced with PHL’s ‘simpler’ eARRIVAL CARD system
Philippine Experience Caravans to roll out 2023 – Frasco
DOT relaunches Philippine Tourism Awards
DOT exceeds 2022 target arrivals; PBBM rallies support for tourism as admin’s priority sector
Siargao, a priority for Tourism Development — Frasco
STATEMENT OF TOURISM SECRETARY CHRISTINA GARCIA FRASCO
DOT bares tourism wins under PBBM’s first 100 days
Tourist Rest Areas for PHL’s top destination – Cebu
Tourist Rest Areas launched in Mindanao
FY 2023 DOT budget submitted to plenary; Senators press for higher tourism budget
DOT celebrates Philippines’ back to back wins at Conde Naste Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards; Boracay claims spot as top island in Asia anew
Frasco secures CA nod as Tourism Chief
DOT receives HOR nod for P3.573 B budget for 2023
First ever DOT-DOLE nat’l tourism job fair opens
Tourism Chief tackles plans to revive industry, entices foreign investors in New York briefing
PBBM pronouncements at UN meet an “excellent representation” of PHL – Secretary Frasco
DOT-DOLE 1st Philippine Tourism Job Fair pre-registration now open, more than 7k jobs available to tourism job seekers- Sec. Frasco
- Top Stories
- Stock Market
- BUYING RATES
- FOREIGN INTEREST RATES
- Philippine Mutual Funds
- Leaders and Laggards
- Stock Quotes
- Stock Markets Summary
- Non-BSP Convertible Currencies
- BSP Convertible Currencies
- US Commodity futures
- Infographics
- B-Side Podcasts
- Agribusiness
- Arts & Leisure
- Special Features
- Special Reports
- BW Launchpad
Tracking the comeback of Philippine tourism
Tourism is getting back on foot after its expansion got blown by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdowns and travel restrictions. Although the number of visitor arrivals and domestic trips in the country has yet to reach their pre-pandemic levels so far, the relaxation of restrictions has somehow driven the industry to move forward.
Since the easing of the country’s border restrictions in February, the Philippines has welcomed two million visitors, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT).
As of Nov. 14, the department reported a total of 2,025,421 visitor arrivals to the country, 73.43% or more than 1.48 million of which are foreign tourists, while over 538,000 (26.57%) are overseas Filipinos.
Among these foreign tourist arrivals, 19.01% came from the United States of America, the highest number of foreign tourist arrivals count by country. South Korea followed with 14.10%, then Australia with 4.75%.
Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam completed the top 10 list of countries with the most tourist arrivals to the Philippines.
Visitor arrivals from February to September brought over P100.7 billion in revenues to the tourism sector, soaring 1,938.14% from the P4.94 billion recorded in the same period in 2021.
The two million visitor arrivals surpassed the DoT’s 1.7 million tourist projections, said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco.
“We therefore must meet this with the continued implementation of enabling mechanisms that will convey not only the country’s openness to welcome more tourists but also conduciveness to tourism business and livelihood opportunities for our fellow Filipinos,” she said in a statement.
In 2021, the Philippines recorded only 163,879 visitor arrivals, an 88.95% slump from the 1.48 million seen in the year prior, according to data from the DoT.
Meanwhile, the 2021 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) reported that demand for domestic tourism increased by 38.16% to more than 37 million trips last year. The top overnight destinations for local tourists were the National Capital Region, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), and Central Luzon.
Employment in tourism industries also increased by 4.6% in 2021, with 4.9 million employed individuals. Overall, tourism generated 11.1% of the country’s total employment in the previous year.
In addition, passenger transport has the highest share of employment among the tourism industries, accounting for 38.3%.
In 2021, the tourism sector’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) inched up to 5.2%, amounting to P1 trillion.
Philippine tourism is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2024, as industry stakeholders told BusinessWorld in a report last June, though the demand could be challenged by certain factors such as high inflation.
The country welcomed over 8.26 million visitor arrivals back in 2019, while about 122 million domestic trips were tallied. The tourism sector’s share in the country’s GDP then was at 12.7% or P2.48 trillion.
Plans for tourism recovery
The DoT, last August, laid out its plans and programs for the recovery of the tourism industry. Among these were the establishment of tourist service rest areas, a Tourist Assistance Call Center, improvements in land and sea tourist facilities, the launch of a guest incentive system, ensuring visitors’ health and security, and the development of the Tourist Lifecycle App, among others.
Ms. Frasco shared that at least 10 tourist service rest areas would be set out in strategic locations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for this year. These areas would cater to visitors who need accommodation, information, safety, and security, as well as those looking for local products as there will also be a pasalubong center inside.
Meanwhile, the Tourist Lifecycle App would help tourists by linking them to accredited establishments for accommodation, shopping, food, rides to accredited transportation, tour operators, and tour guides.
The DoT has just launched the guest incentive system called “ Bisita Be My Guest” program, which will offer raffle prizes to overseas Filipino workers and overseas Filipinos who would invite foreigners to visit the country.
Ms. Frasco also shared that the DoT is working on the development of new regional tourism circuits, and cultural and heritage hubs. It also works on mechanisms that seek to improve tourism standards, product accreditation, and review of product audits to be at par with international tourism standards, identify and address gaps, and include emerging standards that address the needs of the modern traveler.
The department is also looking into setting forth innovative tourism services like hop-on and hop-off buses in key tourism destinations as well as international and local river cruises.
“There is much work that needs to be done. Our greatest challenge now is to not only to grow the industry back to its pre-pandemic level, which used to hold more than 12% of the country’s total gross domestic product, but to exceed our previous position and take a primary tourism position in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and globally as that is the birthright of every Filipino,” the Tourism Secretary said.
“We anticipate that with the gradual recovery of the tourism industry, this industry will once again become one of the major drivers of the national economy, and a major contributor to our gross domestic product,” she added. — Chelsey Keith P. Ignacio
RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR
A journey of ingenuity in automobiles
Leveraging insurance for a sustainable future
Navigating opportunities and risks in sustainable insurance
Sailing away
International tourism not seen rebounding until 2023 — un report, davao delegation in japan for tourism, investment road show.
Advertisement
Eager for visitors, the Philippines reopens to international tourists.
The Southeast Asian nation had closed its borders to most visitors for nearly two years.
- Share full article
By Jason Gutierrez
- Feb. 10, 2022
MANILA — The Philippines reopened to international tourists on Thursday for the first time in almost two years, as it looks to kick-start an economy hit hard by the pandemic and the measures taken to control it.
Tourists from 157 countries that have a no-visa arrangement with the Philippines are now welcome, provided they are fully vaccinated and can show a negative coronavirus test, the government said.
The Philippine tourism secretary, Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, said reopening the sector was part of the government’s overall program to revitalize the economy, which has suffered greatly in the health crisis but slightly recovered last year.
“We haven’t had good news for a long time,” she said, adding that she was confident the change would bring back jobs and revenue lost during the pandemic.
Unvaccinated travelers will still need to check into quarantine facilities on arrival, she said, but fully vaccinated Filipino nationals and foreigners would not.
She stressed that nearly all workers in the country’s tourism sector have been vaccinated, and that her department was also helping tourism workers get booster shots.
All hotels in the Philippines have also gone through and completed safety audits, she said.
The Philippines, with a population of 110 million, has recorded an average of about 6,500 new cases a day over the past week, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. That represents a sharp drop from less than a month ago, when the country was recording more than 30,000 cases a day.
The “careful reopening of the economy” came amid strong lobbying from Ms. Romulo-Puyat, who noted that tourism-related industries suffered tremendously from the health-induced slowdown. The Philippines’ economy grew 5.6 percent last year, after a harsh recession in 2020.
The reopening was originally set for December but was delayed when the highly transmissible Omicron variant spread around the world.
- Travel, Tourism & Hospitality ›
Leisure Travel
- International tourist arrivals Philippines 2012-2023
Total number of international tourist arrivals to the Philippines from 2012 to 2023 (in millions)
Additional Information
Show sources information Show publisher information Use Ask Statista Research Service
January 2024
Philippines
2012 to 2022
*Only covers February to December 2022. Figures have been rounded. Figures prior to 2023 came from earlier reports.
Other statistics on the topic Tourism industry in the Philippines
- Tourist arrivals Philippines 2023, by country of residence
Travel, Tourism & Hospitality
- Tourism sector employment figures Philippines 2012-2022
- Share of tourism GDP Philippines 2012-2022
- Number of domestic tourism trips Philippines 2012-2021
- Immediate access to statistics, forecasts & reports
- Usage and publication rights
- Download in various formats
You only have access to basic statistics.
- Instant access to 1m statistics
- Download in XLS, PDF & PNG format
- Detailed references
Business Solutions including all features.
Statistics on " Tourism industry in the Philippines "
- International tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2022, by subregion
- Value of domestic tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
- Value of international tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
- Travel and tourism's direct contribution to employment APAC 2022, by country
- Estimated online travel and tourism revenue Philippines 2023, by category
- Gross value added of the tourism industry Philippines 2019-2022, by type
- Tourism industry growth rate Philippines 2018/19-2021/22, by sector
- Tourism receipts Philippines 2019-2022
- Tourism expenditures Philippines 2022, by travel type
- Expenditure value in inbound tourism Philippines 2021-2022, by type
- Number of inbound overnight tourists Philippines 2012-2021
- Average length of stay of inbound tourists Philippines 2012-2021
- Domestic passenger count Philippines 2023, by airline
- Household expenditure share of domestic tourism spending Philippines 2012-2022
- Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2012-2022
- Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by product
- Number of international tourist departures in the Philippines 2014-2029
- Outbound tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by segment
- Expenditures on accommodation services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
- Expenditures on food and beverage services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
- Expenditures on travel agency services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
- Overnight travelers Philippines 2022, by type
- Revenue of the hotels industry in the Philippines 2019-2028
- Average hotel room rates Metro Manila Philippines 2021-2023, by star classification
- Highest overnight room rates of hotels in Metro Manila, Philippines 2023, by city
- Revenue of the vacation rentals industry in the Philippines 2019-2028
Other statistics that may interest you Tourism industry in the Philippines
- Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2022, by subregion
- Basic Statistic Value of domestic tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
- Basic Statistic Value of international tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
- Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's direct contribution to employment APAC 2022, by country
- Premium Statistic Estimated online travel and tourism revenue Philippines 2023, by category
Economic impact
- Premium Statistic Gross value added of the tourism industry Philippines 2019-2022, by type
- Premium Statistic Share of tourism GDP Philippines 2012-2022
- Premium Statistic Tourism industry growth rate Philippines 2018/19-2021/22, by sector
- Premium Statistic Tourism receipts Philippines 2019-2022
- Premium Statistic Tourism expenditures Philippines 2022, by travel type
- Premium Statistic Tourism sector employment figures Philippines 2012-2022
Inbound tourism
- Basic Statistic International tourist arrivals Philippines 2012-2023
- Premium Statistic Tourist arrivals Philippines 2023, by country of residence
- Premium Statistic Expenditure value in inbound tourism Philippines 2021-2022, by type
- Premium Statistic Number of inbound overnight tourists Philippines 2012-2021
- Premium Statistic Average length of stay of inbound tourists Philippines 2012-2021
Domestic tourism
- Premium Statistic Number of domestic tourism trips Philippines 2012-2021
- Premium Statistic Domestic passenger count Philippines 2023, by airline
- Premium Statistic Household expenditure share of domestic tourism spending Philippines 2012-2022
- Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2012-2022
- Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by product
Outbound tourism
- Premium Statistic Number of international tourist departures in the Philippines 2014-2029
- Premium Statistic Outbound tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by segment
- Premium Statistic Expenditures on accommodation services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
- Premium Statistic Expenditures on food and beverage services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
- Premium Statistic Expenditures on travel agency services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
Accommodation
- Premium Statistic Overnight travelers Philippines 2022, by type
- Premium Statistic Revenue of the hotels industry in the Philippines 2019-2028
- Premium Statistic Average hotel room rates Metro Manila Philippines 2021-2023, by star classification
- Premium Statistic Highest overnight room rates of hotels in Metro Manila, Philippines 2023, by city
- Premium Statistic Revenue of the vacation rentals industry in the Philippines 2019-2028
Further related statistics
- Premium Statistic Share of foreign tourist arrivals Philippines 2023, by country of residence
- Premium Statistic Foreign visitor arrivals to China for sightseeing 2017, by nationality
- Premium Statistic Italy: top five countries with the most tourist arrivals in Piedmont 2014-2015
- Premium Statistic Monthly tourist visits from North America to the UK 2018-2023
- Premium Statistic Inbound tourism volume in Trinidad & Tobago 2021, by purpose
- Premium Statistic Inbound tourism volume in Cuba 2019-2021, by origin region
- Premium Statistic Share of foreign visitors in Japan 2022, by region
- Premium Statistic Arrivals of foreign visitors staying overnight in China 2020, by country
- Basic Statistic Foreign tourist arrivals in open-air accommodation in France 2017, by region
- Basic Statistic Breakdown of arrivals in open-air hotels by region in France 2017
- Premium Statistic Number of inbound visitors at the Macau Ferry Terminal via helicopters 2016-2023
- Premium Statistic Number of tourist arrivals Thailand 2019, by accommodation
- Premium Statistic German tourists' spending in Paris 2019, by type of expenditure
- Premium Statistic Attractiveness of the cultural heritage for European tourists in France 2013
- Premium Statistic Golf trip length of European golfers in Northern Ireland 2014
- Premium Statistic FTAs from Africa in India - by duration of stay 2017
Further Content: You might find this interesting as well
- Share of foreign tourist arrivals Philippines 2023, by country of residence
- Foreign visitor arrivals to China for sightseeing 2017, by nationality
- Italy: top five countries with the most tourist arrivals in Piedmont 2014-2015
- Monthly tourist visits from North America to the UK 2018-2023
- Inbound tourism volume in Trinidad & Tobago 2021, by purpose
- Inbound tourism volume in Cuba 2019-2021, by origin region
- Share of foreign visitors in Japan 2022, by region
- Arrivals of foreign visitors staying overnight in China 2020, by country
- Foreign tourist arrivals in open-air accommodation in France 2017, by region
- Breakdown of arrivals in open-air hotels by region in France 2017
- Number of inbound visitors at the Macau Ferry Terminal via helicopters 2016-2023
- Number of tourist arrivals Thailand 2019, by accommodation
- German tourists' spending in Paris 2019, by type of expenditure
- Attractiveness of the cultural heritage for European tourists in France 2013
- Golf trip length of European golfers in Northern Ireland 2014
- FTAs from Africa in India - by duration of stay 2017
IMAGES
VIDEO