MANILA, 20 December 2022: The Philippines’ Department of Tourism reports tourist receipts reached PHP130 billion as visitor arrivals climbed to 2.39 million, according to a Philippine News Agency.
The Department of Tourism media statement quoted Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco saying the easing of travel restrictions and health protocols had contributed to the high tourism revenues amounting to USD2.34 billion or PHP130.59 billion up until 31 October 2022.
Visitor arrivals reached 2,397,919 as of 15 December 2022. The US led the top supply markets with 447,278, followed by South Korea with 374,097, Australia with 118,228, Canada with 109,041, and the UK with 90,196.
“The Department of Tourism projected arrivals pegged at 1.7 million only by the end of this year. Because of the changes that have been instituted, as well as the direction of our president to prioritise tourism, we’ve seen that we now have visitor arrivals of close to 2.4 million, far exceeding projection,” Frasco told local reporters in an interview last week quoted by PNA.
The figures are still far from pre-pandemic levels, but strong recovery signs are evident.
“Our goal is no longer to go back to pre-pandemic levels as far as international arrivals, but really to exceed it simply because of the quality of our destinations in the Philippines that far exceed many across the globe, and also because of the distinct warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people that is unique all over the world,” Frasco said.
For 2023, the DOT targets 3 to 4 million visitor arrivals.
“Our goal now is to further that growth by inviting our fellow Filipinos to help us in the task of increasing these tourist arrivals, having in mind the necessity for sustainable tourism in our destinations, which we’re doing closely with our local governments,” she said.
Through the Bisita Be My Guest campaign, launched at the weekend, DOT aims to reintroduce the Philippines as a premiere tourist destination.
(Source: PNA)
