Philippines tourism hits 4 million foreign visitors by September 

The Philippines saw a surge in foreign tourist arrivals in the first nine months of 2024, surpassing 4.08 million foreign visitors, marking a 10.4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. Overall, the country recorded 4.44 million arrivals, including 355,692 overseas Filipinos, a 4.8 percent rise year-on-year. This growth highlights the Philippines‘ recovery as a prime travel destination, bolstered by its dynamic tourism and gaming sectors. 

Foreign visitors accounted for 92 percent of the total arrivals, with South Korea remaining the leading source of international tourists. The figures underscore the resilience of the Philippines’ tourism industry, continuing its rebound from global challenges. 

South Korea tops tourist arrivals in the Philippines 

South Korea remains the top contributor of foreign tourists to the Philippines, with nearly 1.2 million arrivals from January to September 2024, reflecting a 12.1 percent increase from the previous year. South Korean visitors now represent 27 percent of all foreign arrivals, reaffirming the nation’s critical role in the Philippines’ tourism sector. 

The United States ranks second, with 694,142 visitors, a 1.7 percent increase from last year. Japan saw an impressive 31.7 percent growth, with 293,658 visitors, while China also demonstrated strong recovery, contributing 260,134 tourists, a 30.3 percent rise. 

Tourism targets for 2024 

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) aims to attract 7.7 million foreign tourists by the end of 2024, building on the 5.45 million international visitors recorded in 2023. With year-to-date figures exceeding expectations, the DOT is confident it will surpass both visitor and revenue targets. 

Philippines and South Korea strengthen tourism partnership 

On Monday, the Philippines and South Korea strengthened their tourism partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 2024-2029. The agreement, signed by Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and South Korean Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Yu In-chon, aims to foster collaboration through the exchange of tourism professionals, joint promotional campaigns, and industry development initiatives. The signing, witnessed by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, is expected to boost South Korean visitor numbers and further enhance mutual tourism growth. 

“This partnership will not only strengthen tourism exchanges but also contribute to the economic development of both nations, ensuring that the Philippines and South Korea remain premier destinations for travellers seeking rich cultural experiences and world-class tourism offerings,” Frasco noted.