DOT reveals foreign arrivals in PH reaches 4.1 million in first 10 months of 2023

The first ten months of 2023 saw almost 4.1 million foreign arrivals in the Philippines, close to the government’s target of 4.8 million arrivals for the whole year, according to DOT statistics. When foreign Filipino arrivals are taken into account, the country has welcomed around 4.45 million tourists.

With almost 1.2 million visitor arrivals during this period, or 26.3% of all visits, South Korea remains the top source of arriving tourists.

Of the total number of arrivals, the United States accounted for 16.7% (742,295), followed by Japan (5.57%; 246,674), China (5.03%; 223,411), Australia (4.66%; 207,366), and Canada (4.06%; 180,625).

As a result of the introduction of an electronic visa (e-visa) platform, the Department of Transportation anticipates exceeding this year’s target for inbound arrivals.

The Philippines’ President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has said that his government is working to enhance several policies to extend the duration of electronic visas, or “e-Visas,” for those traveling abroad.

Original story by: Asia Gaming Brief