Department of Tourism Eyes New Markets Amid Declining Chinese Visitors
MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Tourism (DOT) is actively exploring new markets like India to increase tourist arrivals, especially as visits from China have significantly decreased. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco shared this update during a Thursday press briefing.
Frasco addressed concerns raised by lawmakers who criticized the DOT for the country’s comparatively low international visitor numbers. The Philippines trails behind regional neighbors such as Thailand and Malaysia in attracting tourists.
“Much news has been made of the Philippines not having met its target of 7.7 million international arrivals in 2024,” Frasco said. “What we have to take into consideration is that contingent to that target was our target of 2 million Chinese [tourists] coming into the country.”
She explained that geopolitical tensions and stricter visa policies contributed to the sharp drop in Chinese tourists, with only about 300,000 arrivals last year despite China sending 20 million travelers across Asia.
Expanding Tourism Markets Beyond China
“We’re definitely landing behind as far as Chinese arrivals are concerned, and that is why, on the part of the DOT, apart from continuing to advocate for a liberalization of visa programs, without compromising national security, we are also advocating for the diversification of markets,” Frasco emphasized.
To reduce dependence on China, the DOT is opening the Philippines to new markets, including India. This includes implementing a visa-free policy for Indian tourists and promoting upcoming direct flights from India to Manila.
Frasco shared that delegations have already engaged with Indian tourism stakeholders. Joint promotions and independent marketing campaigns will roll out to boost the Philippines’ presence across multiple Indian cities.
New Flights and Partnerships to Attract Indian Tourists
“Not only that, we continue our talks and negotiations with the aviation sector together with the Department of Transportation, and we’re very pleased that these discussions have resulted in the forthcoming flight from India to Manila, which I understand has already begun selling,” Frasco said.
She expressed excitement about the influx of Indian tourists and assured that the DOT, along with private partners, will prepare destinations to welcome this growing market.
Broadening Reach to Europe, Middle East, and Beyond
Beyond India, the DOT is also targeting European and Middle Eastern visitors. Efforts to promote the Philippines in South Korea, Japan, Canada, and the United States continue to gain momentum.
Additionally, markets like Australia, the United Kingdom, and France are emerging as promising sources of tourists, with noticeable growth in visitor numbers from these countries, according to local leaders.
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