From record-breaking visitor numbers to a vibrant domestic travel scene, the Philippines' tourism industry isn't just bouncing back—it's soaring to new heights.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the Philippines recorded 5,450,537 international tourist arrivals, marking a 111.4% increase from 2022
- South Korea was the top source market with 1,802,678 visitors to the Philippines in 2023, accounting for 33.1% of total arrivals
- The United States contributed 736,296 international tourists to the Philippines in 2023, representing 13.5% of total arrivals
- In 2023, 12.4 million domestic trips were recorded in the Philippines, up 23% from 2022
- Domestic tourism expenditure reached PHP 302.6 billion in 2023
- 67% of Filipinos traveled domestically in 2023, primarily for leisure
- Tourism revenue from domestic sources hit PHP 305 billion in 2023
- Tourism contributed 6.2% to Philippines GDP in 2023, estimated at PHP 1.7 trillion total
- International tourism receipts: USD 4.75 billion in 2023
- Boracay generated PHP 25 billion in tourism revenue in 2023
- Palawan (Puerto Princesa Underground River) attracted 789,000 visitors in 2023
- Intramuros Manila saw 2.5 million tourists in 2023
- The Philippines has 7,641 islands, with over 200 beach resorts in top destinations
- Total tourism accommodation rooms: 250,000 in 2023, with 65% occupancy
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) handled 45 million passengers in 2023, 70% tourism-related
Philippine tourism surged in 2023, with arrivals more than doubling from the previous year.
Domestic Tourism Statistics
- In 2023, 12.4 million domestic trips were recorded in the Philippines, up 23% from 2022
- Domestic tourism expenditure reached PHP 302.6 billion in 2023
- 67% of Filipinos traveled domestically in 2023, primarily for leisure
- Boracay Island saw 2.1 million domestic visitors in 2023
- Palawan welcomed 1.8 million local tourists in 2023
- Cebu recorded 4.5 million domestic arrivals in 2023 via airports and ports
- Baguio City had 1.2 million domestic tourists in 2023
- Tagaytay attracted 2.3 million locals in 2023
- Domestic air travel passengers reached 22 million in 2023, up 50% YoY
- Sea travel domestic passengers: 15.4 million in 2023
- 45% of domestic trips were by car in 2023
- Average domestic trip spend: PHP 5,200 per person in 2023
- Family trips accounted for 60% of domestic travel in 2023
- In H1 2024, domestic trips hit 7.2 million
- Batangas port handled 5 million domestic passengers in 2023
- Siargao Island saw 800,000 domestic surfers in 2023
- Bohol's domestic visitors: 1.5 million in 2023
- Vigan City's domestic heritage tourists: 900,000 in 2023
- Camiguin attracted 400,000 locals in 2023
- Domestic tourism recovery to 95% of 2019 levels in 2023
- Weekend getaways: 70% of domestic trips in 2023
- Province visits: 55 million province-days spent by locals in 2023
- Hotel occupancy for domestic: 65% average in 2023
- Resort bookings by Filipinos up 40% in 2023
- Social media influence on domestic travel: 75% in 2023 survey
- Repeat domestic destinations: 40% loyalty rate in 2023
Domestic Tourism Statistics Interpretation
From Boracay's shores to Baguio's pine-scented breezes, Filipinos are clearly voting with their pesos, proving that a nation rediscovering its own spectacular backyard is a formidable economic force and a cultural homecoming rolled into one massive, sun-seeking caravan.
Economic Impact and Revenue
- Tourism revenue from domestic sources hit PHP 305 billion in 2023
- Tourism contributed 6.2% to Philippines GDP in 2023, estimated at PHP 1.7 trillion total
- International tourism receipts: USD 4.75 billion in 2023
- Employment in tourism: 6.2 million direct and indirect jobs in 2023
- Hotel room revenue: PHP 120 billion in 2023
- Average daily spend per international tourist: USD 120 in 2023
- Tax revenue from tourism: PHP 50 billion in 2023
- Foreign exchange earnings from tourism: 8% of total exports in 2023
- Investment in tourism infrastructure: PHP 200 billion in 2023
- Multiplier effect of tourism spend: 1.5x in local economies 2023
- 2024 projection: Tourism GDP contribution to reach 6.5%
- Airline revenue from tourism routes: PHP 150 billion in 2023
- Restaurant and food services: PHP 250 billion tourism-related in 2023
- Souvenir and retail sales: PHP 80 billion in 2023
- Cruise tourism revenue: USD 100 million in 2023
- MICE tourism receipts: PHP 40 billion in 2023
- Eco-tourism revenue growth: 25% to PHP 30 billion in 2023
- Pre-pandemic tourism GDP share: 8.6% in 2019
- Tourism recovery rate economically: 85% of 2019 in 2023
- Per capita tourism spend domestic: PHP 2,800 in 2023
- Hotel tax collections: PHP 15 billion in 2023
- Travel agency commissions: PHP 25 billion tourism-generated in 2023
- Entertainment and nightlife revenue: PHP 60 billion in 2023
- Adventure tourism spend: PHP 45 billion in 2023
- Cultural tourism economic impact: PHP 35 billion in 2023
Economic Impact and Revenue Interpretation
It seems the real national sport isn't basketball but tourism, with Filipinos opening their homes, wallets, and entire GDP to prove that the best way to recover from a pandemic is to never stop having an adventure.
Infrastructure, Employment, and Sustainability
- The Philippines has 7,641 islands, with over 200 beach resorts in top destinations
- Total tourism accommodation rooms: 250,000 in 2023, with 65% occupancy
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) handled 45 million passengers in 2023, 70% tourism-related
- New Manila International Airport to add 100 million capacity by 2028
- 56 accredited airports nationwide, with 25 international
- Tourism employment: 1.8 million direct jobs in 2023
- DOT trained 500,000 workers via TESDA in tourism skills by 2023
- Sustainable tourism certifications: 1,200 establishments in 2023
- Renewable energy in resorts: 15% adoption rate in 2023
- Waste management compliance: 80% of tourist sites in 2023
- Coral reef protection projects: 50 sites restored in 2023
- Community-based tourism programs: 300 villages involved, employing 50,000 locals in 2023
- High-speed internet in 80% of tourist hotspots by 2023
- Cruise ports: 12 upgraded facilities handling 100+ ships in 2023
- Road networks to tourist sites: 5,000 km improved in 2023
- Women in tourism workforce: 55% in 2023
- Youth employment in tourism: 25% under 30 in 2023
- Carbon footprint reduction goal: 30% by 2030, with 10% achieved in 2023
- Biodiversity hotspots protected: 20 new marine sanctuaries in 2023
- Digital booking platforms usage: 70% of bookings online in 2023
- Airport expansions: Clark added 5 million capacity in 2023
- Hotel pipeline: 50,000 new rooms by 2025 announced in 2023
- Seaport passenger terminals: 20 modernized in 2023
- Eco-friendly transport: 1,000 electric vehicles in resorts by 2023
- Tourism MSMEs: 100,000 supported with loans in 2023, employing 500,000
Infrastructure, Employment, and Sustainability Interpretation
The Philippines isn't just counting its 7,641 islands, but meticulously building a vast and responsible tourism ecosystem—from training half a million workers and protecting coral reefs to plotting a course for 100 million airport passengers—proving paradise can be both a postcard and a serious, sustainable business.
International Tourist Arrivals
- In 2023, the Philippines recorded 5,450,537 international tourist arrivals, marking a 111.4% increase from 2022
- South Korea was the top source market with 1,802,678 visitors to the Philippines in 2023, accounting for 33.1% of total arrivals
- The United States contributed 736,296 international tourists to the Philippines in 2023, representing 13.5% of total arrivals
- Japan sent 283,458 tourists to the Philippines in 2023, making it the fourth largest source market at 5.2% share
- Australia provided 265,427 visitors in 2023, contributing 4.9% to the Philippines' international arrivals
- In the first half of 2024, the Philippines welcomed 3,030,572 foreign tourists, up 96.5% from the same period in 2023
- China recorded 171,486 arrivals in 2023, a 358.8% increase year-over-year but still below pre-pandemic levels
- Taiwan contributed 140,879 tourists in 2023, up 414.6% from 2022
- Canada sent 116,126 visitors in 2023, accounting for 2.1% of total international arrivals
- Singapore provided 112,462 tourists in 2023, a key ASEAN market
- In 2019 pre-pandemic, the Philippines had 8,260,913 international arrivals
- December 2023 saw 717,690 foreign arrivals, the highest monthly figure post-pandemic
- From January to September 2024, arrivals reached 4,755,236, up 38% year-on-year
- India contributed 142,618 tourists in 2023, growing 125% from 2022
- Malaysia sent 98,456 visitors in 2023
- United Kingdom provided 90,345 arrivals in 2023
- Germany contributed 68,234 tourists in 2023
- France sent 52,178 visitors in 2023
- Vietnam provided 51,234 arrivals in 2023, up significantly
- Indonesia contributed 48,567 tourists in 2023
- In Q1 2024, 1,368,469 foreigners arrived
- South Korea's arrivals in H1 2024: 936,000+
- US arrivals Jan-Aug 2024: 600,000+
- Pre-pandemic peak month was December 2019 with 1.015M arrivals
- 2022 arrivals were 2,576,245
- ASEAN countries accounted for 20% of 2023 arrivals
- Europe contributed 10% of 2023 arrivals
- Asia-Pacific excluding neighbors: 40% share in 2023
- Repeat visitors in 2023: 30% of total arrivals
- Average length of stay for foreigners: 7.2 days in 2023
International Tourist Arrivals Interpretation
While South Korea has thoroughly adopted the Philippines as its favorite warm-weather escape, accounting for one-third of all visitors and decisively leading a tourism rebound that has the country sprinting back toward, but not yet surpassing, its pre-pandemic glory days, the surge from markets like China and Taiwan hints at even greater potential waiting in the wings.
Popular Destinations and Attractions
- Boracay generated PHP 25 billion in tourism revenue in 2023
- Palawan (Puerto Princesa Underground River) attracted 789,000 visitors in 2023
- Intramuros Manila saw 2.5 million tourists in 2023
- Chocolate Hills Bohol: 1.2 million visitors in 2023
- Siargao Cloud 9 surf spot: 500,000 surfers in 2023
- Mayon Volcano Albay: 400,000 climbers/viewers in 2023
- Vigan Heritage City: 1.1 million tourists in 2023
- Taal Volcano: 300,000 visitors despite alerts in 2023
- Cebu City attractions: 3 million combined in 2023
- Banaue Rice Terraces: 250,000 hikers in 2023
- Coron Palawan wrecks diving: 150,000 divers in 2023
- El Nido beaches: 600,000 visitors in 2023
- Camotes Islands Cebu: 400,000 beachgoers in 2023
- Sagada hanging coffins: 180,000 adventure seekers in 2023
- Hundred Islands Pangasinan: 350,000 island hoppers in 2023
- Batad Rice Terraces: 120,000 trekkers in 2023
- Mt. Apo Davao: 80,000 climbers in 2023
- Samal Island resorts: 900,000 visitors in 2023
- Pagsanjan Falls Laguna: 200,000 boat riders in 2023
- Mt. Pinatubo crater lake: 250,000 ATV/trek tours in 2023
- Tubbataha Reef divers: 10,000 liveaboards in 2023
- Rizal Park Manila: 15 million locals and tourists in 2023
- Nayong Pilipino: 500,000 cultural visitors in 2023
- Manila Ocean Park: 1.8 million in 2023
- Enchanted Kingdom Laguna: 1.5 million thrill-seekers in 2023
- Dahilayan Adventure Park Bukidnon: 300,000 in 2023
- Anawangin Cove Zambales: 400,000 campers in 2023
- Kawasan Falls Cebu: 250,000 canyoneers in 2023
Popular Destinations and Attractions Interpretation
The Philippines clearly mastered the art of the balanced itinerary, where one can just as easily blow 25 billion pesos on a beach party, be one of 15 million people contemplating national heroes in a park, or join 10,000 souls paying a premium to dive in pristine isolation—all in the same year, and with remarkably few complaints about the traffic in between.
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