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The Philippines generated P282.17 billion in tourism revenue during the first six months of the year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported on Thursday, July 11.
In a statement,, the tourism said that the amount is approximately 32.81 percent higher than the P212.47 billion revenue from the same period last year.
Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco stated that the 32.81 percent rise from last year's figures not only highlights the growing appeal of the Philippines as a premier travel destination but also underscores the tangible benefits that tourism brings to the country’s economy and its people.
“The income generated through tourism directly translates to more opportunities and improved livelihoods for Filipinos, reinforcing the critical role this industry plays in our nation's progress,” she said.
According to the DOT, as of July 10, the Philippines has received 3,173,694 inbound tourists, of which 92.55 percent or 2,937,293 are foreign visitors, while 7.45 percent or 236,401 are overseas Filipinos.
The DOT reported that South Korea remains the leading source of foreign arrivals to the Philippines, contributing 824,798 visitors, or 25.99 percent of the total. The United States follows with 522,667 visitors (16.47 percent), then China with 199,939 (6.30 percent), Japan with 188,805 (5.95 percent), and Australia with 137,391 (4.33 percent).
“Taiwan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and neighboring Southeast Asian countries Singapore and Malaysia rank as the sixth to tenth source markets, respectively,” the agency added.
Frasco stated that in the second half of the year, they foresee growth not only in the revenue generated but also in the number of Filipinos working in tourism-related industries.
“Many projects aimed at improving the country's connectivity and enhancing our visitors' convenience are also in the pipeline to sustain the good work we have started," she added.
Frasco expressed optimism about advancing the industry's progress, citing the 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which forecasts a "record-breaking" year for the Philippines' travel and tourism sector in terms of economic contribution, employment, and visitor spending.