Philippines on track to hit 6.4 million tourist arrivals target
Tourist arrivals may hit the 6.4 million target this year, supported by travel demand in the fourth quarter, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) is confident that the country will meet its target of 6.4 million tourist arrivals this year, despite factors such as high fuel prices, increased airline fees, and lower travel sentiment. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay expressed her apprehension about these challenges, but remains optimistic that the target can be achieved.
Currently, the DOT aims to attract between 6.4 million and 6.8 million international tourists throughout the year. Based on data from January to August, the country hosted 4.42 million international tourists, a slight increase from 4.38 million in the same period last year. In comparison, international tourist arrivals reached 6.48 million last year.
Angara-Mathay anticipates a surge in tourist arrivals in the fourth quarter, highlighting the potential benefits of the relaxed visa scheme for Chinese tourists. The DOT is planning to expand the 14-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese visitors, currently applicable to those arriving in Manila and Cebu, to other gateway cities as well. This expansion could significantly boost international visitor arrivals.
China remains the fourth-largest source of international tourists to the Philippines, accounting for 6.9 percent or 303,567 visitors from January to August.
Written by urgent.news from Philippine Star Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
