The Department of Tourism said Wednesday it is keeping its 2024 target of 7.7 million international visitor arrivals despite geopolitical issues affecting some Chinese travelers.
The agency said the country welcomed 3.6 million visitors as of Aug. 7, led by South Korea, the United States, China and Japan.
The DOT is intensifying promotions in those markets and others, including Europe and Southeast Asia.
“We are hoping to be able to attain the target. At the same time, we are rolling up our sleeves in terms of the challenges that confound us,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said.
The DOT plans to explore joint initiatives such as a single visa for multiple Southeast Asian countries and liberalize visa policies for markets like India.
Addressing concerns about the Philippines becoming an “expensive destination,” the DOT cited high demand and limited accommodations as factors.
Working with the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, the DOT aims to increase flights and double hotel room capacity by 2028.
Frasco said domestic tourism is thriving, leading Southeast Asia in generating $53.3 billion in 2022.
Expanding the Philippines’ hospitality brand, the DOT is building 22 additional tourist rest areas, including one in Batanes, and exploring tourism opportunities in lesser-known destinations such as Sulu and the Kalayaan Group of Islands.
