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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider China arrivals rebound seen to boost PH tourism in 2026

China arrivals rebound seen to boost PH tourism in 2026

Published Dec 23, 2025 07:03 pm

At A Glance

  • China market rebound expected to lift PH tourism in 2026.
  • Nearly two million Chinese tourists visited the Philippines in 2019.
  • 2025 arrivals from China reach 262,144, ranking sixth overall.
  • Philippine e-Visa reintroduced in November 2025 to ease travel.
  • Tourism receipts hit ₱3.86 trillion in 2024, supporting 6.75 million jobs.
The gradual return of China’s outbound travel market is expected to drive the Philippines’ tourism recovery, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) pointing to improved visa access and restored air connectivity as factors set to lift visitor arrivals in 2026.
China remains a strategic source market, with nearly two million Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines in 2019.
Arrivals have lagged in 2025 due to visa disruptions, security concerns, and flight capacity operating at only about 45 percent of pre-pandemic levels.
As of December 20, international visitor arrivals reached 5.606 million, with China ranking sixth at 262,144 visitors, behind South Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada.
Tourism Attaché to China Ireneo Reyes noted that the November 2025 reintroduction of the Philippine electronic visa (e-Visa) is a confidence-building step expected to produce a more visible increase in Chinese arrivals in the first quarter of 2026.
Restoring flights is also critical, with rebuilding China–Philippines air connectivity seen as a major opportunity.
The DOT is working closely with airlines to gradually reinstate routes and expand seat capacity.
Philippine tourism remains resilient, generating ₱3.86 trillion in receipts in 2024 and supporting 6.75 million tourism-related jobs nationwide.
Improved access, stronger safety measures, and expanded connectivity are expected to accelerate the return of Chinese tourists and help lift overall visitor arrivals next year.

Related Tags

PH tourism China market visitor arrivals DOT
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