While the nation welcomed over 5.4 million foreign visitors, an 8.7% increase from the previous year, it missed its ambitious target of 7.7 million arrivals. South Korea continued to be the top source of tourists, contributing 1.5 million visitors, a respectable 8.2% growth compared to 2023.
The United States held onto the second spot with nearly 948,000 arrivals, followed by Japan with approximately 388,000. China, a significant market before the pandemic, saw 312,000 visitors in 2024, a considerable recovery from the pandemic's impact. Notably, China had contributed over 1.7 million visitors to the Philippines in 2019.
The Philippines, boasting a breathtaking coastline exceeding 36,000 kilometers, rightfully earned the coveted "Asia's Leading Beach Destination" title at the 2024 World Travel Awards.
For context, Thailand, where tourism is a cornerstone of the economy, welcomed over 35 million foreign visitors in 2024. Vietnam also saw a strong recovery, receiving nearly 17.6 million international tourists. Malaysia, based on data up to November, recorded over 22.5 million foreign arrivals.
