The Philippines — with its 7,641 islands, white-sand beaches, world-class diving, and warm hospitality — is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.
After a strong post-pandemic rebound, the country recorded 5.45 million international arrivals in 2023, and over 6.2 million arrivals in 2024, surpassing the government target.
In 2025, the Philippines is expected to attract 7+ million foreign visitors, driven by major improvements in aviation capacity, beach tourism, and digital nomad travel.
Key stats: Philippines Tourism
- ~14.7 million international visitors in 2024 — the Philippines made strong strides in tourism recovery and growth.
- ₱760.5 billion (~$13.1 billion) in tourism receipts — a new high that surpasses pre-pandemic levels by roughly 26.8%.
- Tourism accounted for 8.9% of the national economy in 2024, with the sector supporting 6.75 million jobs (13.8% of employment).
- Domestic tourism spending climbed to ₱3.16 trillion (+16.4% YoY), while outbound spending surged 37.5% to ₱345.7 billion.
- The industry is projected to inject ₱5.9 trillion into the economy in 2025, with inbound and domestic spending rising further.
- From January to October 2024 the country welcomed 4.87 million international visitors, with South Korea contributing about 1.31 million.
- Foreign tourists made up about 91% of international arrivals in a 2024 snapshot — showing the strong global appeal of the destination.
- Visitors are staying longer — average stay rising to “over 11 nights” in some reports for 2024.
How Many Tourists Visit the Philippines Each Year?
The Philippines welcomed 6.2 million international tourists in 2024.
| Year | International Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 8.26M | All-time record |
| 2020 | 1.48M | Border closures begin |
| 2021 | <200K | Closed borders |
| 2022 | 2.65M | Reopening year |
| 2023 | 5.45M | +105% growth |
| 2024 | 6.2M | Surpassed target |
| 2025 (projected) | 7M+ | Aviation expansion |
How Many Tourists Visit the Philippines Each Day?
On average, 15,000–20,000 international visitors arrive in the Philippines daily.
This number surges during Christmas, Lunar New Year, and peak dry season (December–April).
How Much Money Does Tourism Generate in the Philippines?
Tourism revenue reached ₱482.5 billion (~USD 8.6B) in 2023 and exceeded ₱550+ billion in 2024.
- Tourism contributes ~6.2% to the country’s GDP
- Domestic tourism remains extremely strong:
~85–90 million domestic trips annually - Employment supported by tourism: ~5.35 million jobs (DOT 2023)
Which Countries Visit the Philippines the Most?
South Korea, the United States, Japan, and Australia are the Philippines’ largest inbound markets.
Top 10 Countries Visiting the Philippines
| Rank | Country | Visitors | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇰🇷 South Korea | ~1.44M | 23% |
| 2 | 🇺🇸 United States | ~1.06M | 17% |
| 3 | 🇯🇵 Japan | ~340K | 5.5% |
| 4 | 🇨🇳 China | ~340K | 5.5% |
| 5 | 🇦🇺 Australia | ~330K | 5% |
| 6 | 🇨🇦 Canada | ~240K | 3.8% |
| 7 | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~200K | 3.1% |
| 8 | 🇸🇬 Singapore | ~180K | 2.8% |
| 9 | 🇲🇾 Malaysia | ~170K | 2.7% |
| 10 | 🇮🇳 India | ~160K | 2.5% |
South Korea remains the dominant market, followed by sustained strong demand from the U.S.
What Are the Most Visited Destinations in the Philippines?
The Philippines is a multi-destination country with beaches, diving sites, and urban centers attracting millions every year.
| Destination | Annual Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Manila | ~1.5M intl + 20M domestic | Urban tourism hub |
| Cebu | ~1.3M | Beaches + diving |
| Boracay | ~1.8M | White Beach |
| Palawan (El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa) | ~1.4M | Island-hopping |
| Bohol | ~900K | Chocolate Hills + Panglao |
| Siargao | ~400K | Surfing capital |
| Davao | ~1M | Ecotourism + Mt. Apo |
| Baguio | ~1.3M | Domestic weekend destination |
| Iloilo | ~700K | Heritage architecture |
| Clark / Pampanga | ~500K | MICE + aviation hub |
Most Visited Tourist Attractions in the Philippines
| Attraction | Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boracay White Beach | ~1.8M | Top beach destination |
| Chocolate Hills (Bohol) | ~400K | Natural wonder |
| Puerto Princesa Underground River | ~300K | UNESCO Site |
| Intramuros Manila | ~900K | Historic district |
| Cebu Diving Sites | ~700K | Marine biodiversity |
| El Nido Lagoons | ~500K | Island hopping |
| Coron Kayangan Lake | ~350K | Clear freshwater lake |
| Kawasan Falls (Moalboal) | ~350K | Canyoneering |
| Mt. Apo | ~60K | Hiking destination |
| Siargao Cloud 9 | ~200K | Surfing hotspot |
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Philippines?
| Season | Weather | Tourism Volume | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec–Apr | Dry, sunny | Peak | Best beaches & diving |
| May–June | Hot | Medium | Good for islands |
| Jul–Oct | Rainy / typhoon | Low | Best prices |
| Nov | Dry season begins | Rising | Good balance |
Peak = Christmas, Holy Week, Chinese New Year
Dry season remains the most reliable period for travel.
What Are the Biggest Events That Bring Tourists to the Philippines?
| Event | Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sinulog Festival (Cebu) | January | One of Asia’s biggest festivals |
| Ati-Atihan (Aklan) | January | Cultural street parade |
| Panagbenga Festival (Baguio) | February | Flower festival |
| Holy Week | March/April | Faith tourism |
| Kadayawan Festival (Davao) | August | Harvest festival |
| MassKara Festival (Bacolod) | October | Street dances + masks |
| Christmas Season | November–January | Peak arrivals |
How Much Does the Philippines Rely on Tourism?
Tourism is a major pillar of the Philippine economy:
- 6.2% of GDP
- 5.35M jobs
- 90M+ domestic trips yearly
- 1.9M Filipinos employed in tourism services directly
How Busy Are Hotels in the Philippines?
- Metro Manila hotel occupancy (2024): 71–75% average
- Cebu & Mactan: 63–80% depending on season
- Boracay: Often 90%+ in peak months
- Palawan (El Nido/Coron): 65–88% variability
Luxury segments (Boracay, Bohol, Palawan) are the fastest-growing.
Which Regions Are Most Popular With Tourists?
| Region | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Western Visayas (Region VI) | Boracay, Iloilo |
| Central Visayas (Region VII) | Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor |
| MIMAROPA | Palawan, Coron, El Nido |
| NCR – Metro Manila | City tourism + business travel |
| Northern Mindanao | Cagayan de Oro + Camiguin |
| Davao Region | Eco-adventures |
FAQ — Philippines Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit the Philippines yearly?
In 2024, the country welcomed 6.2 million international visitors, exceeding its target.
What is the Philippines known for?
Beaches, warm hospitality, marine biodiversity, surfing, diving, and festivals.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from December to April offers the best conditions.
Is the Philippines expensive?
It ranges from budget to luxury. Local transport and food are generally affordable.
Is the Philippines safe for tourists?
Yes — most destinations are safe, especially major islands and tourist areas. Normal travel awareness applies.
Which island is best for first-time visitors?
Boracay for beaches, Palawan for lagoons, Cebu for a mix of city + adventure.
How much does tourism contribute to the economy?
Tourism contributes 6.2% of GDP and supports over 5 million jobs.
Sources
- Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines — Official Tourism Statistics & Annual Reports (2023–2024)
- UNWTO — Southeast Asia Tourism Data Trends
- Airports Council International (ACI) — Passenger Traffic Reports for Manila, Cebu, Clark
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) — Tourism Satellite Accounts & GDP Contribution
- TIEZA – Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority — Tourism Investment & Visitor Numbers
- Local Government Tourism Offices — Regional Visitor Counts: Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, Bohol (2023–2024)
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