Philippine Tourism and National Development

Foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines grew 11% to 2.4 million in the first half of 2013, or 45% of the projected 5.5 million arrivals for this year. In 2012, there were 4.3 million foreign visitors, it was reported by the United National World Travel Organization.

Top sources of international travelers to the Philippines are South Korea, United States of America, Japan, and China, followed by Taiwan, Australia, Singapore, and Canada. By 2016, it is projected that tourism will employ 7.4 million people, contributing 8-9% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Figures from the National Statistical Coordination Board shows the tourist industry employs 3.8 million Filipinos, 10.2% of national employment.

The opening by European Union of routes to Philippine flights augurs well for the industry. The Department of Tourism expects tourists from Europe to double to 600,000 from the current 300,000 in 2012 and the first half of 2013. The bulk of arrivals is expected to come from United Kingdom, Germany, and Eastern Europe.

Philippine tourism industry is “the most improved” in Asia-Pacific in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2013. The annual report, which surveyed 140 economies, showed the industry moved up 12 places, ranking 16th regionally, 82nd overall. The National Tourism Development Plan (2011-2016) outlines three strategies to achieve 10 million international visitors and 56.1 million domestic travelers by 2016: Developing and marketing competitive tourist products and destinations; improving market access, connectivity, and destination infrastructure; and improving institutional governance and human resources.

The Manila Bulletin, led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr., Business Editor Loreto D. Cabañes, Officers and Employees, congratulate the Department of Tourism, headed by Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., Undersecretaries Daniel G. Corpuz, Atty. Maria Victoria V. Jasmin, and Ma. Theresa I. Martinez, and Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon Jr., in their concerted efforts to improve global competitiveness in the sector as well as boost travel to our Republic of the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

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Philippine Tourism and National Development