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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH tops ASEAN in tourism GDP; industry supports 11M jobs – DOT

PH tops ASEAN in tourism GDP; industry supports 11M jobs – DOT

Published Jan 30, 2026 03:09 pm

At A Glance

  • Philippines tops ASEAN in tourism GDP at nearly US$92 billion.
  • Tourism supports over 11 million jobs, the second-largest workforce in ASEAN.
  • Sector contributes 19.9% to the economy and 23% of total employment.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco speaks at the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting on Jan. 29, 2025, in Cebu, highlighting the Philippines’ top ASEAN ranking in tourism GDP and its support for millions of jobs. (Photo courtesy of DOT)
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco speaks at the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting on Jan. 29, 2025, in Cebu, highlighting the Philippines’ top ASEAN ranking in tourism GDP and its support for millions of jobs. (Photo courtesy of DOT)
The Philippines has emerged as Southeast Asia’s leading tourism economy, generating nearly US$92 billion and sustaining over 11 million jobs nationwide, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Friday, Jan. 30.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the latest World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report ranks the Philippines first in tourism GDP (gross domestic product).
The country leads ahead of Indonesia (US$71.7 billion), Thailand (US$67.3 billion), and Singapore (US$54.6 billion).
Tourism now accounts for 19.9 percent of the country’s economy and supports roughly 23 percent of total employment, second only to Indonesia.
This highlights the sector as a key driver of livelihoods and national growth, Frasco said.
“These figures confirm that the Philippines is not only a top ASEAN tourism economy in scale but also a people-centered growth engine, delivering inclusive benefits to millions of Filipinos,” she added.
Frasco stressed that the strong performance reflects the DOT’s focus on strengthening the tourism value chain, empowering workers, and ensuring benefits reach communities nationwide.
As ASEAN Chair for 2026, the DOT said that the Philippines has pledged to advance regional tourism cooperation and expand quality employment opportunities.

Related Tags

PH tourism ASEAN tourism DOT tourism GDP
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