The Department of Tourism (DOT) has announced a remarkable achievement for the Philippines, with the country welcoming approximately 6.48 million international tourist arrivals throughout the year 2025. This influx of visitors contributed an estimated P694 billion in international visitor spending, marking a significant boost to the national economy.
Government Acknowledges Collaborative Efforts
During a Malacañang press briefing, Press Secretary Claire Castro highlighted these impressive figures and recognized the combined efforts of the DOT, local government units, and private sector partners. Castro emphasized that Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco described 2025 as a pivotal year for the tourism sector, pointing to substantial progress in several key areas including gastronomy, connectivity, workforce development, and infrastructure enhancements.
Major Milestones and Initiatives
The year 2025 saw the launch of several high-profile initiatives that elevated the Philippines' tourism profile on the global stage:
- Michelin Guide Philippines: This prestigious culinary guide recognized 108 restaurants across Manila and Cebu, showcasing the country's vibrant food scene to international audiences.
- Terra Madre Asia and Pacific (TMAP): The inaugural event was successfully hosted in Bacolod, further promoting sustainable food practices and local gastronomy.
- Food and Gastronomy Tourism Road Map: The DOT implemented the 2024–28 roadmap to strategically develop culinary tourism across the nation.
- Salam 2025 Expo: This event focused on expanding halal and Muslim-friendly tourism opportunities, catering to a growing market segment.
Infrastructure and Service Enhancements
Significant improvements in transportation and visitor services contributed to the tourism boom:
- Flight Connectivity: The opening of 19 new international direct flight routes improved accessibility to various Philippine destinations.
- Cruise Tourism Expansion: The sector saw notable growth, with more cruise lines including Philippine ports in their itineraries.
- Visitor Services: New programs like the Transit Tour and Medical Concierge Service were introduced to enhance the tourist experience.
Support for Tourism Workers and Future Outlook
The DOT provided assistance to over 40,000 tourism workers who were affected by various disasters in the previous year, demonstrating commitment to sector resilience. Looking ahead, preparations are already underway for major events including the Asian Tourism Forum 2026 in Cebu and the UN Tourism Global Forum on Gastronomy.
Press Secretary Castro conveyed President Marcos Jr.'s confidence in the sector's continued growth, stating, "Naniniwala si Pangulong Marcus Jr. na patuloy na uusbong ang sektor ng turismo sa bansa" (President Marcos Jr. believes that the tourism sector in the country will continue to grow). The government remains dedicated to implementing the National Tourism Development Plan 2020–2028, which aims to sustain this positive trajectory while creating more employment opportunities in tourism-related industries.
