Department of Tourism estimates around ₱760 billion earned through tourism revenue in 2024
AT A GLANCE
As we move forward, our commitment to advancing Philippine tourism remains steadfast. – DOT Secretary Cristina Frasco
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced on Sunday, Jan. 5, that the Philippine tourism sector has firmly established its position as a vital economic pillar, achieving an all-time high tourism revenue of approximately ₱760 billion in 2024.
According to the agency's data, the Philippines garnered about ₱760.50 billion in tourism revenue from inbound tourism expenditures—representing the total amount spent by non-resident visitors—from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024. This marks a notable increase of 9.04 percent compared to the ₱697.46 billion recorded in 2023. Moreover, the current figures surge past pre-pandemic levels, exceeding the estimated ₱600.01 billion in 2019 by an impressive 26.75 percent. This remarkable performance translates to a recovery rate of 126.75 percent for the local tourism economy, highlighting the sector's resilience and vitality.
"With these figures, it is clear that the Philippine tourism industry is not only bouncing back but also evolving and expanding, contributing significantly to the nation's economic stability and growth. In the past year, we have witnessed remarkable growth in tourism revenue, which has surpassed previous records, shares Frasco." "This achievement is not just a statistic; it translates to thousands of jobs created for Filipinos, fostering economic resilience and enabling families to thrive. The tourism sector has become a crucial engine for economic development, providing livelihood opportunities for many, especially in our rural and underserved areas.”
She notes how the Marcos administration’s support of the DOT has been instrumental in this achievement.
"The Marcos Administration has implemented pro-tourism policies that prioritize the sustainable development of our tourism resources while ensuring the welfare of our communities. These policies focus on enhancing infrastructure, promoting heritage conservation, and investing in skills development programs for our workforce, among others. We believe that the growth of tourism should be inclusive and equitable, empowering local entrepreneurs and communities."
"I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in this success—our tourism stakeholders and workers, local government units, and most importantly, our guests. As we move forward, our commitment to advancing Philippine tourism remains steadfast. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with industry stakeholders to innovate and promote the many reasons to Love the Philippines," Frasco adds.
Citing data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Secretary Frasco revealed international tourists coming into the country spend at least $2,073 per capita. Also, compared to the average of nine nights in 2019, tourists are now staying an average of over 11 nights in the country, while 70 percent of tourists coming to the country are repeat visitors. The continued collaboration with the stakeholders from the private sector garnered about 63.18 percent repeat visitors in 2023.
