Manila, Philippines—The Philippines has experienced a significant surge in international visitor arrivals, welcoming approximately 2 million travelers, marking a notable 16.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

Key Contributors:

Statistics reveal that South Korea stands out as the primary source of Filipino tourists, contributing over 571,000 arrivals from January to April. This represents 27.1% of the total and showcases a remarkable 24.4% increase year-on-year.

Following closely is the United States, emerging as the second-largest source, with 331,049 arrivals, maintaining a stable figure from the previous year, and accounting for approximately 15.6% of all arrivals.

China secures the third spot, with about 141,153 visitors in the first four months of the year, constituting approximately 6.5% of all arrivals. This demonstrates a remarkable 104.8% increase from the same period last year.

Optimism in Tourism Sector:

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed optimism, foreseeing a positive trajectory for international tourist arrivals in the country. She attributes the favorable figures to collaborative efforts and hard work within the industry.

Frasco emphasizes the importance of continued investment in tourism infrastructure and enhancements in connectivity to further boost tourist numbers.

Positive Recovery:

According to the Department of Tourism, tourism receipts for the first quarter of the year totaled approximately PHP157.62 billion (US$2.75 billion), indicating a robust recovery rate of 120.7% compared to the same period in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

With aspirations to host 7.7 million foreign visitors this year after surpassing arrival goals for 2023, the Philippines is positioning itself as a key destination in the region.

Thriving Casino Industry:

The Philippines is not only flourishing in tourism but also boasts a thriving casino industry accessible to both locals and foreigners. Analysts suggest that the sector benefited in 2023 from both domestic demand and the return of overseas visitors.

Maybank Securities Inc predicts a growth of "at least circa 15 percent" in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for the local gaming industry in 2024. This growth is anticipated to be primarily driven by the domestic mass and slots market, with potential upside from the gradual resurgence of the VIP segment, particularly driven by South Korean punters.