As international travel gradually improves, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is preparing for a significant uptick in the number of visitor arrivals. By the end of December, the BI expects to see a staggering 1.5 million monthly arrivals or approximately 50,000 daily, a stark contrast to the average of 3,000 per day during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We anticipate a major surge in passenger arrivals and departures during the Christmas holiday due to the opening of borders. This will enable the travel and tourism industry to quickly recover and rebound from the negative impact of the pandemic,” stated Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco on Monday.
Tansingco further highlighted that the upward trend in passenger arrivals began during the second quarter of the year, with the bureau recording nearly 1 million monthly arrivals. In November 2023 alone, the BI recorded 1,160,699 arriving passengers, with nearly half of them being foreigners.
According to Tansingco, this upward trend may indicate that the government’s aggressive tourism campaigns are yielding positive results. Prior to the pandemic, the BI recorded 1.7 million arrivals in December. The total number of arriving passengers for the entire year has already surpassed 2022 figures by a remarkable 79 percent.
Notably, Filipino outbound tourism has also experienced a significant rebound. In November, the agency observed almost 1.1 million departures, closely approaching the 1.3 million recorded in November 2019.
To ensure smooth operations during the holiday season, the bureau has bolstered its manpower by deploying augmentation teams and mobile counters. Immigration Commissioner Tansingco assured the public that there are sufficient immigration officers on duty to serve the traveling public during the holiday rush.
In addition to the additional manpower resources, the BI has introduced “e-gates” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Clark International Airport in Pampanga, and other major ports of entry. These e-gates aim to minimize long queues during peak arrival periods. By utilizing this technology, the processing time for passengers has been reduced from 45 seconds to a mere 8 seconds.
With the positive outlook for international travel, the BI is actively adapting to meet the demands of the increasing number of arrivals and departures. The surge in visitor arrivals not only signifies the gradual recovery of the travel and tourism industry but also presents an opportunity for economic growth and revitalization.
As the holiday season approaches, the Bureau of Immigration remains committed to ensuring a seamless travel experience for both local and international travelers. With their proactive measures and efficient operations, the BI is poised to handle the influx of visitors while prioritizing safety and security.
Source: The Manila Times
