PH records all-time tourism receipts in 2024

PH hits record-high tourism revenue of P760-B in 2024

Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
Philippine News Agency
January 6, 2025

MANILA – Philippine tourism earned an all-time high revenue of PHP760.5 billion in 2024, translating to a 126.75 percent recovery rate from the 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

Revenues from inbound tourism expenditures -- representing the total amount spent by non-resident visitors -- were 9.04 percent higher compared to the PHP697.46 billion in 2023.

ALL-TIME HIGH. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco speaks at the Kapihan Sa Manila Hotel on Sept. 11, 2024. Frasco on Monday (Jan. 6, 2025) said tourism is contributing significantly to the nation's economic growth after it posted an all-time high revenue of PHP760.5 billion in 2024, translating to a 126.75 percent recovery rate from the 2019 pre-pandemic levels. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

Department of Tourism (DOT) data showed earnings surpassed the estimated PHP600.01 billion in 2019 by an impressive 26.75 percent.

“With these figures, it is clear that the Philippine tourism industry is not only bouncing back but also evolving and expanding, contributing significantly to the nation's economic stability and growth. In the past year, we have witnessed remarkable growth in tourism revenue, which has surpassed previous records,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Monday.

“This achievement is not just a statistic. It translates to thousands of jobs created for Filipinos, fostering economic resilience and enabling families to thrive,” she added.

She attributed this growth to the pro-tourism policies of the Marcos administration that prioritized the sustainable development of Philippine tourism resources.

“These policies focus on enhancing infrastructure, promoting heritage conservation and investing in skills development programs for our workforce, among others. We believe that the growth of tourism should be inclusive and equitable, empowering local entrepreneurs and communities,” she said.

Based on the World Travel and Tourism Council data, international tourists spend at least USD2,073 per capita.

From an average of nine nights in 2019, tourists are now staying an average of over 11 nights in the country, while 70 percent are repeat visitors.

Continued collaboration with stakeholders from the private sector also garnered about 63.18 percent repeat visitors in 2023, the DOT said.

Tourist arrivals

While falling short of its original target of 7.7 million, the DOT said the country still recorded growth in the number of foreign visitors last year at 5,949,350, up by 9.15 percent from the 5.45 million foreign guests recorded in 2023.

South Korea maintained its position as the top source of foreign tourists, with arrivals increasing to 1,574,152 from 1,455,977 in 2023, garnering more than 26.46 percent of the total market share.

Frasco cited the country’s “effective strategic marketing initiatives, enhanced air connectivity and strengthened cultural exchanges” for the sustained number of Korean tourists to the Philippines.

“Furthermore, the Philippines' growing reputation as a prime destination for incentive travel has played a key role in this positive trend, attracting an increasing number of Korean companies hosting their reward trips for their employees in the Philippines' world-class tourist destinations," she said.

The United States ranked second, with 1,076,663 visitors in 2024, increasing from 1,041,305 in 2023. Enhanced connectivity, including nonstop flights from San Francisco to Manila by United Airlines and from Seattle to Manila by Philippine Airlines contributed to the growth of the market.

Japan, meanwhile, emerged as a standout market with a 22.84 percent growth in arrivals, reaching 444,528 visitors from its previous year’s 361,862.

The surge was attributed to aggressive tourism campaigns and strategic partnerships with Japanese travel agencies that paved further awareness and interest in the Philippines as a travel destination.

Though significantly lower than the pre-pandemic figures, China showed signs of recovery with 313,856 arrivals compared to 264,922 in the previous year.

This can be attributed, the DOT said, to the increased number of flights from 2023, both commercial and chartered, including the first half of 2024, connecting China directly to Cebu, Bohol, and Davao.

Cruise ships also started to arrive during the second half of 2024, with the new visa waiver program becoming an important factor for the improved numbers.

Other consistent contributors included Australia (299,286) and Canada (269,300). Emerging markets like Taiwan and Singapore demonstrated strong growth momentum, with arrivals reaching 213,833 and 198,471, respectively.

The introduction of direct flights to Kalibo in Aklan and Puerto Princesa in Palawan, as well as the growth of niche markets such as English as Second Language (ESL) learning and diving, contributed greatly to the visits of guests from Taiwan.

The United Kingdom likewise sustained its position among the top contributors with 178,656 visitors, driven by a keen interest in heritage tourism and adventure activities.

Meanwhile, Malaysia emerged 10th with 99,881 registered arrivals in 2024.

The DOT said the Middle Eastern market similarly showed promising signs of recovery in 2024.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) posted a remarkable 668.34 percent recovery rate from its 2019 figures, reflecting increased air connectivity and a surge in interest in the Philippines as a leisure destination.

Qatar followed closely, with an impressive 832.87 percent recovery rate, and Saudi Arabia with 66.54 percent growth.

Likewise, Oman and Bahrain registered more than 200 percent recovery rates from the 2019 number of arrivals, the DOT said.

Those in the top 25 source markets which have fully recovered as compared with 2019 data included Australia (102.63 percent), Canada (109.26 percent), Hong Kong (106.79 percent), UAE (668.34 percent), Italy (143.02 percent), Spain (111.08 percent), Guam (200.19 percent), New Zealand (100.50 percent) and Switzerland (102.01 percent).

"The growth in our visitor arrivals and receipts in 2024 underscores the resilience of the Philippine tourism industry and the collective efforts of our stakeholders. This success is a testament to our unwavering commitment to showcasing the beauty, culture, and hospitality that make the Philippines truly unique on the global stage," Frasco said.

More overseas Filipinos also traveled to the Philippines last year at 510,383, representing a seven-fold increase from 72,436 in 2019. (PNA)

PH retains ‘emerging Muslim-friendly destination’ title

PH retains ‘emerging Muslim-friendly destination’ title

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
Philippine News Agency
June 1, 2024

MANILA – The Philippines retained its title as an emerging Muslim-friendly destination for the second straight year, according to the latest citations released by Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024.

The citation for another Emerging Muslim-friendly non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) nation was announced at the Halal in Travel Global Summit in Singapore on May 30.

The GMTI said the Philippines focuses on “building capacity to welcome tourists through various initiatives," including Halal food and integrating Muslim-friendly amenities in major tourist spots.

“Tourism authorities have placed Halal tourism high on their priority agenda, evidenced by their action to enhance the Halal tourism portfolio and raise awareness among tourism stakeholders about the values and practices important to Muslim travelers,” the GMTI said.

Mastercard, the American multinational payment card services firm, said the Philippines recorded an increase in its communications score since 2023.

“Among non-OIC destinations, the Philippines has steadily increased its appeal to Muslim tourists by strategically developing their Halal Tourism portfolio, enhancing halal accreditation of hotels and restaurants, and conducting Halal awareness orientations,” it said. “This effort builds on their achievement of winning the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year award in last year’s Halal in Travel Global Summit, based on GMTI 2023 results.”

Fazal Bahardeen, founder and chief executive officer of CrescentRating, said the improved score also demonstrates the “unwavering commitment of the Department of Tourism (DOT)” to bolstering Muslim-friendly tourism and advancing the destination's appeal.

According to the joint report of Mastercard and CrescentRating, the Muslim population is projected to increase from 2.12 billion in 2024.

GMTI analyzes data across 145 destinations using the metrics access, communication, environment and services.

Over time, the criteria evolved to keep pace with the changing needs of Muslim travelers.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Saturday welcomed the citation and called it an “affirmation of the Marcos administration’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.”

"The Philippine Department of Tourism recognizes the significance and potential of Halal Tourism in contributing to the growth and diversity of our tourism industry,” she said.

“As a country known for its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural attractions, catering to the needs of Muslim travelers through the development of Halal Tourism is crucial in ensuring that we raise our competitiveness in the global tourism market," she added.

Frasco said Halal tourism presents a rapidly growing market segment and that the Philippines is committed to prioritizing it.

“[B]y prioritizing this, we not only demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity but also open up opportunities to attract more Muslim travelers from around the world, while expanding markets for our tourism stakeholders and creating more livelihood and employment for our fellow Filipinos,” she said.

The travel summit coincided with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s state visit to Brunei, where Frasco inked a tourism cooperation agreement with her counterpart in a bid to further develop Halal tourism in the Philippines, among others.

Halal Tourism is a priority product under the recently approved National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023 to 2028.

On the sidelines of the recently held Arabian Travel Mart 2024, the DOT also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, committing all its properties to be Muslim-friendly.

The Philippines, likewise, signed an MOU with Qatar in April this year to boost cooperation in the aspects of mutual development, and growth of tourism and business events.

“Adapting to the changing needs of Muslim travelers by offering Halal-friendly accommodations, dining options, prayer facilities, and other services not only enhances the overall visitor experience but also showcases our respect for diverse cultural and religious practices,” Frasco said.

“This, in turn, fosters goodwill and strengthens our reputation as a welcoming and inclusive travel destination,” she added.

GCC states arrivals

Arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have already posted a recovery of 115 percent, the DOT said.

In 2019 before the pandemic, arrivals from the Middle East accounted for 68,562.

Visitor arrivals from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 43,748; United Arab Emirates (UAE), 10,192 tourists; Kuwait, 6,309; Bahrain, 3,296; Oman, 2,526; and Qatar, 2,491.

In 2023, tourist arrivals rose to a total 79,014.

The UAE led the surge of tourist arrivals with 33,769, followed by Saudi Arabia (19,311), Qatar (10,438), Kuwait (6,915), Bahrain (5,886), and Oman (2,695). (PNA)

Young Bicolano making waves with his piano talents

9-year-old Bicolano prodigy gains int’l attention

Story by JESSICA CALINOG
GMA Regional TV
12 May 2024

A nine-year-old boy from Milaor, Bicol has been making waves internationally with his piano talents, earning numerous medals from international competitions.

Brent Cataneo-Amado has been featured in the newspapers based in Bahrain, such as the Gulf Weekly.

According to Brent’s mother, Aileen Cataneo, his focus and confidence have grown significantly since he began pursuing his passion for piano during the COVID-19 pandemic at just six years old.

“Actually, wala naman masyadong nagbago. Mas nag-focus lang siya, tapos mas naging confident siya. Kunwari performing in crowds, kasi before shy type siya,” Aileen said

(Actually, not much changed. He became more focused, and he became more confident. He pretended to perform in crowds, he used to be shy.)

With supportive parents and a new practice routine in place, Brent dedicates himself to honing his skills through piano lessons and regular practice sessions.

“I usually practice and take lessons two to three times a week. [But] there are days that I don’t like to practice because I am not inspired or motivated,” Brent said.

Their family now resides in Bahrain, where Brent's talent has flourished on the international stage.

Brent received an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, United States in June 2024.—GMA Regional TV

Moonlight by SB19 making waves worldwide

SB19’s ‘Moonlight’ sets Top 10 record, tops 9 countries on global music charts

Story by Hannah Mallorca 
Inquirer.net
07 May 2024

P-pop powerhouse SB19 set a new milestone with its new single “Moonlight,” done with producers Ian Asher and Terry Zhong, as it debuted on the Top 10 of global music charts.

The track entered the 10th rank on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart — joining global hits like “Texas Hold ‘Em” by Beyoncé, “Fortnight” by Taylor Swift and Post Malone, and “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter — on Sunday, May 5.

“Moonlight” also topped the music chart under the “all genre” category in nine countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Qatar, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.

The single was brought to life in collaboration with Asher and Zhong, with SB19 earlier sharing that working with the producers allowed them to “expand [their] horizons as artists.”

“We’ve met Ian Asher during our tour in the US, and we were surprised at how talented and prolific he is at such a young age,” SB19 said in a press statement. “The collaboration really brought out the best of all worlds, and being part of the process really opened our creative realm to exciting new possibilities.”

According to the group, “Moonlight” centers around “sensual pining and romantic desires.”

A million views

SB19 also took to social media to announce the song’s music video crossed the one million view mark on its official YouTube channel.

“SLMT ng sobra for swimming, A’TIN,” the group wrote.

Justin de Dios, one-fifth of SB19, served as the creative director for the music video. He shared in a press statement that the “euphoric undertones” of the song’s lyrics allowed him to add craziness to its concept.

“The song has euphoric undertones lyrics-wise, so I wanted to play around with that concept and inject a little bit of craziness and out-of-this-world treatment… It’s a very simple but minimalist take, but the dance choreography really elevates the visuals to a different level,” said de Dios.

Philippines among top country for expat in 2023

Philippines among best countries for living and working abroad in 2023—survey

Story by Yoniel Acebuche
Philstar Life
18 April 2024

The Philippines was among the top countries for expats in 2023, according to a recent survey on living and working abroad.

In the latest Expat Insider survey, the country placed eighth in the list of best places for expats when it comes to "the ease of settling in and getting started abroad" as well as personal finances, work, and quality of life in general.

In case you didn't know, an expat or expatriate is "an individual living and/or working in a country other than their country of citizenship, often temporarily and for work reasons." They can also be someone who "has relinquished citizenship in their home country to become a citizen of another."

Around 12,000 expats based in 172 countries and territories participated in the survey. Mexico, Spain, Panama, Malaysia, and Taiwan topped the list, followed by Thailand, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Bahrain, and Portugal, respectively.

According to the survey, Mexico's top performance didn't come as a surprise as the country has consistently been part of the Top 5 since its first edition in 2014. It has also consistently ranked among the best in the Ease of Settling In Index for ten years due to local friendliness, finding friends, easy-to-get-use culture, affordable housing and accommodation, as well as personal career opportunities such as fair pay, work-life balance, and quality of life.

Expats also said that they "feel at home and happy in Spain," making it the second best country worldwide for them. They also found Panama, which placed third on the list, an easy destination to settle in.

Conde Nast Traveler, in a report on the same survey, said that the Philippines made it to the list likely because of its proximity to some of the world's most beautiful islands and affordability.

"We suspect being near some of the world's most beautiful islands probably makes expats pretty happy," the digital travel site said. "The country ranked third in the survey's 'Personal Finance' index, with people reporting an enviable cost of living and affordable housing."

The Expat Insider 2023 survey was conducted by InterNations, an expat networking community with more than 5 million members.

The latest edition assigned ratings to more than 50 aspects of expat life, including the ease of settling in, work-life balance, cost of living, healthcare quality, and friendliness of the local population.