The Philippines welcomed 5.6 million visitors in 2024. While this may be the case, the government missed its target of 7.7 million for the year.
The Philippines fell short of its goal of attracting 7.7 million tourists in 2024, welcoming only 5.6 million visitors, according to government data.
The Department of Tourism acknowledges that they missed the target due to headwinds beyond their control, such as economic, environmental, and geopolitical forces. They also faced budgetary constraints and visa liberalization delays. The suspension of the electronic visa system by the Department of Foreign Affairs negatively impacted the projected arrivals from China.
“These figures highlight the pivotal role of tourism in generating livelihoods and uplifting communities nationwide and certainly show the impact of Philippine tourism in terms of job generation. The Department of Tourism remains steadfast in its mission to generate quality employment opportunities for Filipinos across the country,” Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco said as reported by the Daily Tribune.
While the industry fell short in 2024, there are still positive signs of recovery. South Korea remained the top source of tourists for the Philippines, followed by the United States and Japan.
Despite these challenges, the DOT remains optimistic about the future of Philippine tourism. They are focusing on attracting tourists who will stay longer, visit more frequently, and spend more money while in the Philippines. The DOT is also working to improve visa policies and increase tourism revenue.
The Philippines did surpass its target in 2023. According to the DOT, the country welcomed over 5.45 million international visitors in 2023, exceeding its target of 4.8 million.
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