The Department of Tourism (DOT) said the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to substantially affect the Philippine tourism industry by disrupting travel flows, fuel supplies, and increasing transportation and operating costs.
During an Asian Development Bank webinar, DOT Undersecretary Verna Esmeralda Buensuceso said strong domestic tourism has helped cushion the impact, with tourism contributing ₱2.27 trillion to the economy, or 8.1 percent of GDP, and supporting 7.7 million jobs in 2025.
She added that domestic tourism spending reached ₱3.26 trillion, making the Philippines one of ASEAN’s largest domestic tourism markets and strengthening the sector’s resilience against external shocks.
Buensuceso said the industry has become more adaptable by shifting focus to near-shore and intra-ASEAN markets during periods of global uncertainty.
She also called for greater investment in transport, digital connectivity, and other tourism-related infrastructure to sustain long-term growth and competitiveness.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 25, 2026
DOT OFFICIAL: DOMESTIC TOURISM SOFTENS IMPACT OF MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT
Latest from Business
Megawide Construction Corp. is proposing a ₱3.5-billion integrated transport hub in Quezon City that could rival
Coco Mama has pledged to plant one million coconut trees over the next five years to
The number of Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) contributors rose nearly fivefold to 30,055 as
Shipping giant 2GO Group Inc. has launched TraveLink, a service that allows travelers to book land
Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC), the local operator of 7-Eleven, is set to open its 5,000th store