Photo credit: DOT

The Philippines is making waves in the tourism scene, and it’s not just about its breathtaking beaches and stunning landscapes. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has just announced a jaw-dropping achievement—tourism revenues hitting an all-time high of P760.5 billion in 2024!

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco couldn’t be prouder, saying, "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." And she’s right on the money! Despite some global tourism hiccups, the Philippines not only bounced back but soared past its pre-pandemic glory days.

From January to December 2024, the country raked in P760.50 billion from inbound tourism. That’s a whopping 9.04% jump from the P697.46 billion in 2023. If we go back a bit further to 2019, when the world was still pandemic-free, the revenue stood at P600.01 billion. This year’s numbers have blown that out of the water, up by an incredible 26.75%! Talk about a comeback story.

This stellar performance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about resilience and a testament to how the tourism industry has adapted and thrived. Whether it's the white sands of Boracay or the vibrant streets of Manila, the Philippines has proven that it's a destination worth every traveler’s bucket list spot.

So, what’s next? With this momentum, the future of Philippine tourism looks brighter than ever. Here’s to more adventures, more visitors, and more memories waiting to be made in the Pearl of the Orient!