The Philippines welcomed 5.3 million tourists in January to November, an increase of 9.53 percent from 4.88 million in the same period in 2023, data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed.
With only a month remaining, the DOT may face challenges in reaching the 7.7-million target for the year from the actual arrivals of 5.45 million in 2023.
Foreign tourists accounted for 91 percent of arrivals at 4.92 million in the 11-month period, an increase of 9.56 percent from 4.49 million in the same period in 2023.
Returning overseas Filipinos accounted for 9 percent with visitors of 5.3 million, up 9.53 percent from 4.88 million last year.
Tourists from South Korea led all foreign arrivals with 1.43 million followed by those from the US at 839,635. Other major markets are Japan, 352,630; China, 297,604 and Australia, 231,471. Tourism contributed less than P 3.36 trillion to the economy.
