PH Tourism Achieves Record High Receipts for 2024 – DOT

Philippine tourism just hit its biggest year ever. In 2024, the country earned PHP760.5 billion from international visitors. That’s 9.04 percent more than 2023 and 26.75 percent above the pre-pandemic record set in 2019. The numbers come from the Department of Tourism’s 2024 year-end report.

What does that mean for you? The Philippines is drawing more repeat visitors than ever. Over 70 percent of tourists who came in 2024 had been here before. They’re also staying longer — over 11 nights compared to nine nights in 2019. And they’re spending more: per-person spending is now over USD2,073, the highest in ASEAN according to World Travel and Tourism Council data cited by the DOT.

The country didn’t hit its target of 7.7 million arrivals — it reached 5.95 million — but the revenue figure tells a bigger story. Tourism contributed about PHP4.34 trillion to the Philippine economy in 2023, which is 17.9 percent of GDP. That share made up nearly a quarter of all tourism’s contribution to ASEAN’s combined GDP. The industry also employed 16.4 million Filipinos in the first quarter alone, or 34 percent of total employment.

Where Tourists Are Coming From and What They’re Doing

Beyond the top two markets, Australia sent 299,286 visitors, Canada 269,300, and Taiwan 213,833. Singapore posted 198,471 arrivals, boosted by growth in diving tourism and English-language learning programs. The United Kingdom added 178,656 visitors, and Malaysia rounded out the top 10 with 99,881 arrivals.

The Middle East posted the biggest recovery numbers. The United Arab Emirates hit 668.34 percent of its 2019 visitor count. Qatar reached 832.87 percent recovery. Saudi Arabia grew 66.54 percent. Oman and Bahrain both more than doubled their 2019 numbers. Markets that fully recovered include Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, Guam, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

What’s Changing the Trip in 2025

The DOT has a full plate for 2025. A midterm review of the 2023–2028 National Tourism Development Plan is scheduled. The agency will also emphasize tourism investment — meaning more infrastructure, hotels, and attractions are in the pipeline.

Concrete new programs include Tourist First Aid facilities, hyperbaric chambers at dive destinations, tourist courts to handle disputes, and medical concierge services at airports. The HO-HO Layover Tours (Hop-On Hop-Off) are designed for passengers with long layovers in Manila. The VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists is now in effect, so you can get tax back on purchases when you leave.

The Philippine Hotel Industry Strategic Action Plan (PHISAP) 2023–2028 targets 456,055 rooms by 2028. That means more accommodation options are coming, but demand is growing fast too. If you’re planning a trip for 2025, consider booking early — especially for popular destinations like Palawan, Cebu, Boracay, and Siargao.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Air connectivity expanded in 2024. Direct flights to Kalibo (the gateway to Boracay) and Puerto Princesa (the gateway to Palawan’s Underground River) were added, making those destinations easier to reach. Nonstop flights from San Francisco and Seattle to Manila also boosted US arrivals.

The cruise visa waiver program, which started in the second half of 2024, allows cruise passengers to visit without a separate visa. This opened the Philippines to more ship-based tourism. If you’re arriving by sea, check whether your cruise line participates in the program.

For Indian nationals, the e-Visa system is now fully implemented. The DOT is actively positioning the Philippines in the Indian market to capture its growing outbound tourism. The government is also in bilateral discussions with Brunei, Qatar, South Korea, Israel, Bahrain, and Austria to expand beyond traditional source markets.

Getting around the Philippines once you’re here is getting easier. The DOT’s new measures for the tourism surge include Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) along major routes, a Tourist Assistance Call Center (TACC), and the Philippine Experience Programs that offer curated cultural tours.

What to Actually Do on Your Trip

Dive Into the Water

Diving is a major draw, especially for visitors from Taiwan and Singapore. The Philippines has some of the best dive sites in the world — Tubbataha Reefs in Palawan, Apo Reef in Mindoro, and the wrecks in Coron. The DOT is adding hyperbaric chambers at key dive destinations for safety. If you’re a diver, factor in at least 3–4 days per dive site and book your liveaboard or resort well in advance.

Take a Layover Tour

If you have a long layover in Manila, the new HO-HO Layover Tours let you see the city without leaving the airport zone for long. These are Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours designed for connecting passengers. Check with the DOT or your airline for schedules and routes. It’s a good way to try Filipino food or visit a nearby mall without needing a full day.

Explore Beyond the Big Names

With 70 percent of visitors being repeat travelers, many are going beyond Boracay and Palawan. The DOT’s Philippine Experience Programs highlight cultural tours in destinations like Ilocos, Bicol, and Mindanao. If you’ve already been to the famous spots, consider Ilocos for heritage tourism — it’s less crowded and offers a different side of the Philippines.

Take Advantage of the VAT Refund

Non-resident tourists can now get a VAT refund on purchases made in the Philippines. Keep your receipts from accredited stores. The refund is processed at the airport when you depart. It’s not a huge amount, but it can save you a bit on souvenirs, electronics, or local products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Ahead, Not Just Around

The 2024 numbers show the Philippines is busier than ever. More visitors, longer stays, and higher spending mean popular spots fill up fast. Book accommodations and flights early, especially for peak season from November to May. Check the DOT’s website for updates on new programs like the HO-HO Layover Tours and VAT refund process. And if you’re a repeat visitor, consider trying a lesser-known region — the infrastructure is improving, and the experiences are just as rewarding.

If this was useful, you might also want to read how another Asian beach destination hit USD13 billion in tourism revenue.

Sources

Philippines Implements New Measures for International Tourism Surge — RichestPH article covering the specific policies and infrastructure upgrades supporting the 2024 growth.

Ensuring No One Is Left Behind in Digitalizing Philippine Tourism — RichestPH article on how digital tools are making travel in the Philippines easier.

Philippine tourism revenue hits all-time high of PHP760.5 billion in 2024. Philippine News Agency, 2025.

DOT: PH tourism sustained growth in 2024 despite challenges. Philippine News Agency, 2025.

DOT: Tourism industry achieves highest-ever revenue in 2024. Philstar, 2025.