Philippines Tourism Needs More to Compete Strongly
The Department of Tourism (DOT) must do more to boost the Philippines’ appeal, local leaders have said. Despite efforts to promote the country, the Philippines tourism sector is still trailing behind its Southeast Asian neighbors. The country’s tourism performance is critical, as many regions heavily depend on it for economic survival.
In 2024, the Philippines recorded only 5.95 million tourist arrivals, far below the 8.26 million visitors seen in 2019 before the pandemic. This gap signals a slowdown in attracting tourists and a decrease in their spending, raising concerns for millions of Filipino workers who rely on tourism, especially in the provinces.
Tourism Challenges and Economic Impact
Deputy Speaker and La Union 1st District Representative Paolo Ortega emphasized that this decline is a warning sign. “These numbers tell a story. We are attracting fewer tourists, and those who do come are spending less,” he said. Ortega stressed that tourism must go beyond promotion; it should drive local economic recovery and produce sustainable jobs.
Initially, the DOT aimed for 7.7 million tourist arrivals in 2024. However, projections were later lowered to about 6 million by a research firm. Despite fewer visitors, the country’s tourism receipts improved, hitting an estimated PHP 760 billion in 2024, up from PHP 600 billion in 2019. Tourists are also staying longer, increasing from nine to over eleven nights on average.
Comparing Regional Tourism Performance
Despite these gains, Ortega pointed out that the Philippines still lags behind regional rivals. For 2024, neighboring countries recorded far higher arrivals and revenues:
– Thailand: 35.5 million arrivals, $39 billion revenue
– Malaysia: 25 million arrivals
– Vietnam: 15.5 million arrivals, $16 billion revenue
– Indonesia: 13.9 million arrivals
– Cambodia: 6.7 million arrivals
This gap highlights the need for a stronger and more attractive tourism package from the DOT, especially to support areas like La Union. The province, known locally as Elyu, depends heavily on tourism and agriculture but was recently hit hard by three cyclones that worsened the southwest monsoon.
Local Voices Call for Action
Ortega explained, “La Union, or Elyu as many know it, is driven by tourism and agriculture. But after enduring severe weather disturbances, our people are struggling to get back on their feet. They need work, not just words. The DOT must deliver results that reach local communities.”
The call for tangible actions from the DOT reflects the urgent need to boost tourism, support local economies, and create jobs that can help communities recover and thrive.
For more news and updates on Philippines tourism, visit Filipinokami.com.
