The Department of Tourism (DOT) yesterday said tourist arrivals reached 6.8 million in the first 10 months of the year, up 15.04 percent from the 5.91 million arrivals in the same period last year.
Korea topped the list of country source with a total of 1.61 million visitors, an increase of 21.75 percent.
The DOT said this is expected to further improve following the signing of the tourism cooperation program between the Philippines and Korea.
China came in second with 1.5 million, up 41.13 percent followed by the United States at third place with 872,335, an increase of 2.53 percent.
Japan remained fourth in the list with 569,625 (up 7.43 percent), followed by Taiwan, with a record of 282,220 (up 36.77 percent) completing the top five markets.
The DOT attributed the encouraging figures to the improved air connectivity, intensified marketing promotions including the refreshed “It’s More Fun in the Philipines” campaign, budding relations with other countries, as well as the growing recognition of the country’s sustainable tourism advocacy.
For October, tourist arrivals via air comprised 98.77 percent for 630,666 visitors. Manila, through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, served as the main gateway welcoming 396,446 tourists.
