Philippine tourism revenues hit P65.3-B in January, surpass pre-pandemic levels
By Trixee Rosel

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco
The Philippines generated P65.3 billion in tourism revenues in January 2025, a figure that surpassed pre-pandemic levels recorded in the same period, the Department of Tourism (DOT) disclosed on Thursday, Mar. 6.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the country’s tourism earnings in January reached $1.1 billion, reflecting a 151.46 percent increase from the $821 million or P43 billion recorded in the same month in 2019.
“The recovery of Philippine tourism in terms of revenues translates to thousands of jobs for Filipinos, providing livelihood opportunities, especially in rural and underserved areas,” Frasco said, adding that the sustained growth aligns with the Marcos administration’s vision of an “inclusive and equitable” tourism industry.
DOT data showed that January 2025 revenues grew by 71.4 percent in US dollar terms and 78.81 percent in peso value compared to January 2024, when earnings stood at $652 million or P36.5 billion.
Tourism revenues are measured using visitor sample surveys, arrival and departure data, shipping manifests, and the eTravel system, which tracks tourism spending and industry performance.
Frasco noted that Philippine tourism posted an all-time high of P760 billion in revenues in 2024, underscoring its role as a key driver of economic growth.
She assured that the DOT remains committed to sustaining this momentum through infrastructure development and intensified international promotions.
Foreign arrivals in the first two months of 2025 totaled 1,167,908, with South Korea leading at 295,611 visitors, followed by the United States with 229,836, Japan with 83,208, Canada with 65,145, and Australia with 61,564.
The Philippines also recorded 53,545 visitors from China, 41,388 from Taiwan, 34,451 from the United Kingdom, 29,352 from Singapore, and 21,252 from France, with the DOT expecting further growth following the appointment of South Korean star Seo In-Guk as a celebrity tourism ambassador.