Philippines Sees Over 21% Increase in Tourist Arrivals

Tourism in the Philippines is on the rise, with a significant resurgence in the first quarter of 2024. Official data reveals that 1.7 million tourists arrived in the country during this period, marking a 21.3% increase compared to the same time last year.

The Department of Tourism is playing a key role in this growth, intensifying its global tourism campaign and expanding its reach to more cities worldwide, including the Middle East. Additionally, a nationwide effort to boost Halal tourism is underway to attract more visitors to the country.

South Korean tourists remain the top visitors to the Philippines, accounting for 27.59% of the total arrivals in the first quarter of 2024. The United States, China, Japan, and Australia also contributed significantly to the tourism numbers, with increases in arrivals compared to last year.

With solid transport connections and a reputation for affordability and diverse offerings, the Philippines is expected to see an increase in regional tourist arrivals. Fitch Solutions predicts that foreign visitor levels will return to pre-pandemic numbers, with arrivals estimated to reach 8.21 million by the end of 2024.

The Department of Tourism has set a target of 7.7 million tourist arrivals for this year, aiming to surpass the 5.45 million foreign visitors welcomed in 2023. The country is on track to reach pre-pandemic tourism levels before the end of the year, showcasing the resilience and appeal of the Philippines as a top tourist destination.