Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced on Tuesday that the Philippines has not only met but also surpassed its objective of 5 million international visitor arrivals before the end of the year. As of December 12, the country has already welcomed over 5 million international visitors, contributing an impressive 439.50 billion pesos in receipts.
With the holiday break fast approaching, it is expected that the Philippines will continue to surpass its earlier target of 4.8 million for 2023, underscoring the country’s commitment to continuous growth for the tourism industry and the overall economy.
As of December 11, the Philippines has received a total of 5,069,752 foreign tourist arrivals. Out of this number, 4,658,123 (91.88 percent) are international visitors, while the remaining 411,629 (8.12 percent) are overseas Filipinos.
Leading the list of source markets is South Korea, with 1,341,029 arrivals, followed by the United States of America (USA) with 836,694, Japan with 285,655, China with 252,171, and Australia with 238,487. Canada ranked sixth with 206,571, followed by Taiwan with 186,140, the United Kingdom with 141,516, Singapore with 140,633, and Malaysia with 92,383.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer, the average recovery rate in the Asia-Pacific region from January to September is 62 percent. The Philippines’ recovery in terms of foreign visitor arrivals has exceeded this average, with a 65.54 percent increase during the same period of 2023.
In terms of visitor receipts, Secretary Frasco highlighted that the country is “recovering faster than expected,” with P458 billion in visitor receipts from January to November of this year, which is equivalent to 95.85 percent of the figures recorded in 2019.
The tourism industry has also played a significant role in job creation. In 2022, tourism generated 5.35 million jobs from 2.6 million tourist arrivals, translating to 11 jobs for every 100 Filipinos. Secretary Frasco expressed optimism that this number will increase this year, as the country anticipates twice as many foreign visitors compared to the previous year.
To support this growth direction, the government has formulated policies that address outdated regulations, especially in light of the post-pandemic landscape. Collaboration with other government agencies is also a priority, as they work together to create a vibrant and innovative tourism landscape.
The Philippines’ success in exceeding international visitor arrival goals is a testament to the country’s attractiveness as a tourism destination. With its diverse natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, the Philippines offers a unique experience to travelers from around the world.
As the tourism industry continues to recover and grow, the Philippines remains committed to providing memorable experiences to visitors while ensuring their safety and well-being. With its ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and promote sustainable tourism practices, the country is well-positioned to further boost its tourism industry and contribute to the overall economic development.
Source: The Manila Times
