Tourists in PH spend an average of 11 nights

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia — From an average of 9 nights in 2019, tourists are now staying an average of 11 nights in the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

As the agency continues to promote the Philippines as a unique tourism destination, DOT - Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles highlighted during her media session that this is just among the country’s huge achievements in the past year. 

Citing a comparative survey of tourism spending per capita in the ASEAN, Nograles said international tourists coming to the Philippines are spending at least USD 2,073 per arrival.

“Therefore, beyond quantity, we are attracting quality, yielding more revenues for our stakeholders and more jobs for our people. Compared to the average of 9 nights in 2019, tourists are now staying an average of 11 nights in the country,” Nograles said at the ASEAN Travel Forum (ATF) held in Persada Johor International Convention Center in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. 

“In fact, over 70% of tourists coming to the country are repeat visitors. Truly, our tourists have come to Love the Philippines with higher spending, longer stay, and repeat visits,” she noted.

Nograles said among the top destinations are Siargao, Boracay, Iloilo, Cebu, Manila, and even Angeles City. 

This contributed to making the Philippines the largest domestic tourism market in Southeast Asia.

“According to the WTTC, the Philippines stands out as having the largest domestic tourism market in Southeast Asia, with a valuation of USD 52.1 billion (approximately Php 2.90 trillion) in 2023,” she said. 

Moreover, the Philippines has generated more than P760 billion in tourism revenues in 2024.

“Beyond promoting tourism, the TPB is committed to creating meaningful change through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives guided by the pillars of education, environmental conservation, heritage preservation, and community assistance. Our efforts focus on sustainability and community growth, reflecting the deeper purpose behind everything we do,” Nograles said. 

ATF is an annual event, which includes a three-day Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) from January 15-17, a premier trade show that facilitates business-to-business meetings and promotes ASEAN tourism products and services. 

Through this, travel agents and buyers from the ASEAN countries, as well as media representatives from all over the world, gathered with the theme “Unity in Motion: Shaping ASEAN’s Tourism Tomorrow.”

The ATF serves as a key platform for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to promote itself as a unified tourism destination. 

"DOT is so thrilled to be at the AFT because it is one of the events we look forward to, and again, we want to strengthen our connection and partnership with the ASEAN, because again, together, we are stronger," Nograles told GMA News Online. 

"We are also so proud to share that last year, the tourism board, TPB was able to hit our highest number in sales leads -- P400 million back into the Philippines. So this year, we are hoping to do even better," she added. 

— LA, GMA Integrated News