MANILA: The Philippines’ tourism sector gained more than US$4.83 billion (P282 billion) in revenue for the first half of 2024, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Thursday (July 11).
According to the DOT, this was a 32.81 per cent increase from the same period in 2023, US$3.64 billion (P212.47 billion).
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said that the increase will contribute to more livelihood opportunities for Filipinos which will improve the country’s economy.
“The income generated through tourism directly translates to more opportunities and improved livelihoods for Filipinos, reinforcing the critical role this industry plays in our nation’s progress,” Frasco said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the DOT said that as of Wednesday, tourist arrivals in the country were marked at 3.17 million.
The number comprised of around 2.9 million foreign nationals, while 236,401 were overseas Filipinos.
The agency added that South Korea ranked first in foreign arrivals at 824,000 visitors, followed by the United States of America at 522,000, and China at third with 199,000 visitors.
The three were followed by Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Frasco added that the DOT expects more visitors for the remainder of the year.
“In the second half of the year, we anticipate these numbers to increase, not only the revenue generated but most importantly, the number of Filipinos employed in tourism-related industries,” she added. - The Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
