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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOT logs 2.9-M tourist arrivals in first half of 2025

DOT logs 2.9-M tourist arrivals in first half of 2025

Published Jun 26, 2025 01:14 pm

At A Glance

  • The Department of Tourism (DOT) reported 2.9 million international tourist arrivals in the first half of 2025.
  • The agency is recalibrating its year-end target and expanding visa-free access to boost arrivals from emerging markets.
A total of 2,905,363 international tourists arrived in the country in the first six months of this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) disclosed on Thursday, Jun. 26.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the agency is recalibrating its year-end target in view of global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions affecting travel trends.
She noted the continued suspension of e-visa issuance for Chinese nationals, one of the country’s top source markets prior to the pandemic.
To drive growth from alternative markets, the DOT has granted visa-free entry to Indian and Taiwanese travelers, with direct Delhi-Manila flights expected to commence later this year.
Frasco said the move is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on traditional markets and expand tourism opportunities from emerging economies.
The DOT also activated a 24/7 Tourist Assistance Call Center via hotline 151-TOUR (151-8687), manned by multilingual agents to handle travel-related inquiries and refer visitors to DOT-accredited services.
Amid recent safety concerns involving Korean nationals in Metro Manila, Frasco said the DOT is working closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Korean Embassy to ensure enhanced security in key destinations.
She added that additional police personnel have been deployed across major tourist hubs in the National Capital Region.
Addressing public concerns over rising domestic travel costs, Frasco said the DOT is coordinating with aviation and transport authorities to ensure fare competitiveness.
The agency is also advocating for the publication of a Price Competitiveness Index to help travelers make informed decisions.
Frasco underscored the importance of domestic tourism in the country’s recovery, citing data from the World Travel and Tourism Council placing the Philippines as the top market in Southeast Asia in terms of domestic tourism value, with over USD 66.2 billion.
To support travelers, the DOT continues to promote the Travel Philippines mobile app, which provides verified information on accredited destinations, accommodations, and tourism service providers nationwide.

Related Tags

DOT PH tourism tourist arrivals 2025 Christina Garcia-Frasco
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