The increase is attributed to a variety of marketing initiatives undertaken by DOT both with the private sector and travel trade counterparts in the various markets. Improved connectivity due to introduction of new flights, additional frequencies and enhanced capacity of new and upgraded airports was also a major factor that influenced the number of tourist arrivals.
Recently, DOT has been putting a lot of effort in developing new and improving existing tourist routes across the country and promoting sustainable tourism. According to the representatives of the Department, their efforts have started yielding results and the upward trend is likely to persist.
In April, China remained the Philippine's main tourist source market sending 139,177 visitors. It is an impressive 26.77 percent increase since last year. South Korea was a close runner-up with 130,707 tourists. The United States with 87,710 travellers came the third. The big five also includes Japan with 57,724 and Australia with 28,683 visitors.
During the four months of 2019 the Philippines welcomed 2,867,551 overseas tourists. The number accounts for a 8.57 percent growth compared to the same period of 2018 when 2,642,241 foreign tourist arrivals were recorded.
Philippines Report Growth of Tourist Arrivals
News in Asia
The Department of Tourism (DOT) of the Philippines revealed that foreign tourist arrivals in April grew 12.15 percent on year-to-year bases reaching 662,987 visitors compared to 591,137 received last year.