The Philippines experienced a robust rise in tourist arrivals from January to October 2024, welcoming 4.87 million visitors, a 9.76 percent increase from the same period last year.
The country’s Department of Tourism has set a target of 7.7 million international visitor arrivals in 2024, aiming to surpass the 5.45 million recorded last year.
South Korea topped the list of source countries in the period covered, accounting for 1.31 million arrivals, which constituted 26.9 percent of the total foreign visitors. This was an 11.4 percent increase from the previous year, solidifying South Korea’s position as the Philippines’ most significant tourism market.
The United States followed as the second largest source, contributing 764,124 visitors—a 15.6 percent share—showing a smaller, yet steady, growth of 2.9 percent.
Japan emerged as a major growth market, with a 30 percent year-over-year increase, bringing in 321,913 tourists. China also demonstrated a substantial recovery, sending 280,301 visitors, which marked a 25.4 percent increase from last year. Australia rounded out the top five with 208,727 arrivals, a small growth of 0.66 percent.
Southeast Asia: A Growing Segment
In Southeast Asia, Singapore and Malaysia remained key sources of visitors. Singapore contributed 128,812 arrivals, up by 7.67 percent, while Malaysia saw a 1.6 percent rise with 80,892 visitors. These numbers reflect the Philippines’ strengthening position as a destination within the ASEAN region, aided by proximity and improved air links.
European and Middle Eastern markets also showed positive trends. Canada, while maintaining its rank as the sixth-largest source, brought in 177,571 visitors. The United Kingdom followed with 128,660 visitors, and Germany recorded 62,864, representing a growth rate of 8.3 percent.
Notably, tourist arrivals from France increased by 16.2 percent to reach 48,617. Meanwhile, India, the top source of tourists from South Asia, saw a 13.88 percent increase with 66,622 visitors. Additionally, arrivals from the United Arab Emirates rose by 23.73 percent, contributing 33,717 tourists.
The report also highlighted that foreign tourists made up a staggering 91.93 percent of total visitors, while Overseas Filipinos accounted for 8.07 percent. The Overseas Filipino segment showed a growth rate of 6.96 percent, reflecting increased travel interest among Filipinos residing abroad.
