PH Tourism Hits Record P760.5B Revenue High

The Philippine tourism industry continues its upward trajectory, with inbound tourism revenue reaching an all-time high of ₱760.5 billion in 2024. Despite falling short of its full-year target for international arrivals, the industry remains a major driver of economic growth.

According to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, this milestone highlights not only the sector’s recovery but also its expansion. "This achievement is more than just numbers; it reflects the creation of thousands of jobs for Filipinos, strengthening economic resilience and improving the quality of life for many families," Frasco stated.

The latest revenue figures surpass the previous record of ₱482.15 billion in 2019, showcasing strong demand for Philippine travel experiences. Citing World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data, Frasco revealed that each international visitor spends an average of $2,073 while exploring the country.

Foreign travelers made up 91.42% of the total inbound visitors, equating to 5.44 million arrivals. Meanwhile, 8.58% (510,383 visitors) were overseas Filipinos returning to explore their homeland.

Among international markets, South Korea remains the leading source of tourists, contributing 1.57 million visitors, or 26% of total foreign arrivals. This continued influx underscores South Korea’s strong affinity for the Philippines as a preferred travel destination.

With these impressive earnings and a steadily recovering tourism landscape, the Philippines is poised for sustained growth in the global travel industry. The focus now shifts to enhancing tourism infrastructure, improving visitor experiences, and attracting more international travelers in the years ahead.