The Philippines has already earned over US$1 billion (or approximately PHP 65 billion) in tourism revenue for January 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019 and signaling a robust recovery for the nation’s tourism industry, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).
For January 2025, the country generated a total of US$ 1.1 billion (or PHP 65.3 billion) from tourism-related activities, products, and services, as reported by the DOT on February 28, 2025. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the US$821 million (PHP 43 billion) earned in January 2019.
In comparison to January 2019, tourism revenue for January 2025 exceeded pre-pandemic figures by an impressive 136.1% in US dollar terms and 151.46% in Philippine peso terms.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco emphasized that the surge in tourism income highlights the industry’s recovery, growth, and evolution. “This growth not only signals the resurgence of Philippine tourism after the pandemic but also shows how the sector is expanding and contributing significantly to the nation’s economic stability and growth,” she said.
Frasco noted that tourism growth has created thousands of jobs for Filipinos, providing livelihood opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. She also pointed out that this aligns with the Marcos administration’s goal to make tourism “inclusive and equitable” by empowering local entrepreneurs and communities.
Secretary Frasco further reported that tourism revenue for January 2025 surpassed that of January 2024. In comparison, January 2025 saw a 71.4% increase in USD revenue, up from US$652.3 million in January 2024, and a 78.81% increase in Philippine peso terms, from PHP 36.5 billion in January 2024.
The DOT’s revenue data is based on Visitor Sample Surveys, records from Arrival/Departure Cards, Shipping Manifests, and the current eTravel System.
In 2024, the Philippines achieved a record-breaking PHP 760 billion in tourism revenue, further solidifying tourism as a vital pillar of the country’s economy. Secretary Frasco assured that the DOT would continue to bolster the sector’s resilience and appeal, with more tourists finding numerous reasons to visit the Philippines. “We remain committed to advancing Philippine tourism, working closely with industry stakeholders to innovate and promote what makes the Philippines a must-visit destination,” she added.
The DOT also reported that 1,167,908 foreign tourists visited the Philippines in the first two months of 2025. South Korea led the way, contributing 25.31% of the total tourist arrivals with 295,611 visitors. Since 2023, South Korea has been the top source of tourists for the Philippines, a trend expected to continue following the appointment of South Korean star Seo In-Guk as the Philippines’ “Celebrity Tourism Ambassador” in February 2025.
Other major sources of tourism include the United States (229,836 travelers), Japan (83,208 tourists), Canada (65,145 visitors), and Australia (61,564 guests). The Philippines also welcomed 53,545 tourists from China, 41,388 from Taiwan, 34,451 from the United Kingdom, 29,352 from Singapore, and 21,252 from France.
