DOT: Over 3M inbound travelers arrive in PHL as of July

More than 3 million travelers have arrived in the Philippines as of July, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Thursday. 

Latest data from the DOT showed a total of 3,173,694 inbound travelers visited the country as of July 10. Of the figures, 92.55% or 2,937,293 are foreigners while 7.45% or 236,401 are overseas Filipinos.

Meanwhile, the Philippines’ visitor receipts hit P282.17 billion during the first half of 2024, at least 32.81% higher than the P212.47 billion revenue year-on-year. 

“This 32.81% rise from last year's figures not only showcases the growing appeal of the Philippines as a premier travel destination but also underscores the tangible benefits that tourism brings to our economy and our people,” said DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. 

“The income generated through tourism directly translates to more opportunities and improved livelihoods for Filipinos, reinforcing the critical role this industry plays in our nation's progress," she added. 

Frasco also said the DOT expects the number of inbound foreign tourists as well as tourism-related jobs to increase during the second half of the year.

According to the DOT, South Korea was the top source of foreign arrivals with 25.99% or 824,79. It was followed by the US with 16.47% or 522,667 visitors; China with 6.30% or 199,939; Japan with 5.95% or 188,805; and  Australia with 4.33% or 137,391. 

Taiwan, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia are the sixth to tenth source markets, respectively.

In December 2023, the Tourism Department announced it is targeting to reach over 7.7 million international arrivals for 2024.—AOL, GMA Integrated News