Tourism Industry Drives Growth and Jobs in Philippines
MANILA, Philippines — The tourism industry has become a vital economic pillar, employing millions and opening new opportunities for Filipinos. In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to create livelihood opportunities for unemployed citizens, the Department of Tourism (DOT) affirmed its readiness to help address this challenge.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco shared that the tourism industry currently employs 6.75 million Filipinos, accounting for 13.83 percent of the nation’s total employment. Additionally, it indirectly supports the jobs of roughly 10 million more. These figures underscore how the tourism industry is a major driver of economic growth and job creation.
Tourism Industry Expands Job Opportunities
Frasco expressed gratitude to the President for recognizing tourism as a key sector in uplifting Filipino lives. “The Department of Tourism fully supports the resounding directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to pursue the generation of quality jobs, a vital means to eliminate poverty and hunger in the country,” she said.
Noting the President’s challenge to find opportunities for the remaining four percent of the labor force, Frasco emphasized that tourism stands ready to help meet this goal. She highlighted that internal tourism expenditure is expected to reach P3.86 trillion in 2024, an increase of 13.12 percent from 2023’s P3.41 trillion.
International Arrivals Signal Tourism Growth
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported an almost 8 percent rise in international arrivals from January to June this year compared to the same period last year. This steady growth reflects the strengthening of the country’s tourism sector.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the Philippines remains a top destination in the region. The bureau processed 7.84 million arrivals in the first half of 2024, up from 7.27 million in 2023. Most visitors came from the United States, South Korea, Japan, China, and Australia.
Enhancing Traveler Experience to Boost Tourism
Viado affirmed that the Bureau of Immigration will continue working with other agencies to improve services and make the country more attractive to international visitors. “As gateways to the country, we in the Bureau of Immigration are proud to do our part in supporting this momentum—through efficient and secure immigration processing for all travelers,” he said.
With tourism playing a key role in job creation and economic growth, the sector’s potential to uplift Filipino lives remains strong. The combined efforts of government agencies aim to sustain and enhance this momentum going forward.
For more news and updates on tourism industry, visit Filipinokami.com.
