14 Hulio 2024, Linggo
Register now and vote in midterm polls
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Ph logs over 3 M tourist arrivals in first half of 2024
By J.Lo
“Many projects aimed at improving country’s connectivity and enhancing our visitors’ convenience are also in tpipeline to sustain good work we have started,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in statement reported international visitor arrivals of the country reached over three million in first half of the year.
As of July 10, DOT said country has welcomed 3,173,694 inbound tourists. Of which, 2,937,293 or 92.55% are foreigners while 236,401 or 7.45% are overseas Filipinos.
This was also reported by Frasco during opening of MICECON 2024 or Philippine meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) conference held in Clark, Pampanga.
Tourism department said South Korea remains top source market with 824,798 South Korean visitors entering Philippines or 25.99% of international tourist arrivals.
It is followed by United States of America, delivering 522,667 (16.74%). China comes third with 199,939 visitors (6.30%), followed by Japan with 188,805 tourists (5.95%), and Australia with 137,391 visitors (4.33%).
Rounding up sixth to tenth top source of foreign arrivals are Taiwan, Canada, United Kingdom and Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Malaysia.
Frasco said Philippines is anticipating tourist arrival numbers to increase along with revenue generated and number of Filipinos employed in tourism-related industry.
This year, country has baseline target of 7.7 million arrivals.
Meanwhile, based on DOT’s statistical monitoring reports, tourism earnings from international visitors are estimated at P282.17 billion from January 1 to June 30, 2024 or 32.81% higher than P212.47 billion visitor receipts recorded in the same period last year.
For DOT chief, increase in tourism earnings in the first semester of 2024 is testament to “relentless efforts” of current administration in revitalizing tourism sector.
“This 32.81 percent rise from last year’s figures not only showcases growing appeal of Philippines as premier travel destination but also underscores tangible benefits that tourism brings to our economy and our people, income generated through tourism directly translates to more opportunities and improved livelihoods for Filipinos, reinforcing critical role this industry plays in our nation’s progress,” Frasco said.
.DOT secretary is also optimistic about continued growth of tourism industry, citing 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), forecasts “record-breaking” year for Philippines’ travel and tourism industry in terms of economic contribution, employment and visitor spending.
It projects tourism sector’s contribution to national economy is expected to reach P5.4 trillion this year or around 25% year-on-year-growth.
Global private sector group also forecasts employment in tourism to exceed 9.5 million jobs or 20% national workforce.
DOT said WTTC also projects international and domestic visitor spending to break records in 2024, with revenues pegged at P715.6 billion and P3.7 trillion, respectively, surpassing 2019 achievements by 5.7% and 1.8%, respectively.
According to important global private sector group, tourism sector’s contribution to national economy is expected to reach P5.4 trillion this year, or around 25% year-on-year growth, surpassing record-breaking achievement in 2019 by 7.1 percent.
Employment in tourism is also projected to surpass 9.5 million jobs, translating to 20% of national workforce.
WTTC also forecasts both international and domestic visitor spending is also set to break records this year, pegged at P715.6 billion and P3.7 trillion, respectively, exceeding 2019 levels by 5.7% and 1.8%, respectively.
“Growth is testament to government’s efforts in enhancing tourism infrastructure, with efforts underway to upgrade regional airports to alleviate congestion at Manila’s main airport and make travel more accessible,” WTTC said in its report.
During MICE Conference, Frasco said amid all gains of industry, “most significant measure lies in livelihood that we tourism industry provides. “
Last month, Philippine Tourism Satellite Account of Philippine Statistics Authority reported tourism industry recorded 6.21 million employment in 2023, a 6.4% increase from 5.84 million in 2022.
Tourism employment growth almost reached country’s 6.3 million target employment in tourism for 2028 or four years ahead. Target was cited on approved National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028.
Similarly, PTSA reported tourism industry contributed 8.6% to country’s gross domestic product, highest growth, according to DOT.
DOT said this cements tourism industry’s vital role as pillar of growth and economic recovery post-pandemic.
“Tourism growth rate being highest ever recorded for Philippines is testament to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr,’s strong emphasis on prioritizing tourism sector, and with consolidated efforts of Department of Tourism, other government agencies and private sector, our transformative agenda for tourism has set industry on this upward trajectory whose benefits are felt by millions of Filipinos, having adopted National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028 strengthens foundation for tourism on infrastructure and connectivity, and expands government intervention in terms of development of products, markets, and destinations, it is heartening to see that our efforts to equalize tourism development, engage in shared tourism governance, and diversify our tourism offerings have created more job opportunities and contributed greatly to our economy,” Frasco concluded.
ISKUP! 