The Department of Tourism (DOT) reported that nearly five million foreign tourists visited the Philippines from January to October, totaling 4.88 million arrivals.
This figure, however, falls short of the DOT’s target of 7.7 million for the year, reflecting ongoing challenges such as stricter policies for Chinese visitors and limited visa options.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco emphasized that the focus is shifting from merely increasing tourist numbers to enhancing tourism receipts, which contributed P3.36 trillion, or 8.6% of the country’s GDP, in 2023.
In a bid to attract more visitors, the Philippines will send its largest delegation yet to the World Travel Market in London from November 5 to 7, showcasing popular destinations and eco-friendly practices.
The Philippine booth will highlight award-winning locations like Boracay and Palawan, aiming to promote sustainable tourism and diverse offerings.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 3, 2024
