Philippines Smashes Domestic Tourism Records with 134M Trips in 2024
The Philippines has set a new record in domestic tourism, with 134 million trips made in 2024. This figure surpasses the pre-pandemic peak of 122 million trips in 2019. The country's tourism sector now leads Southeast Asia, with an estimated value of at least US$70 billion.
Senator Loren Legarda praised the Department of Tourism (DOT) for its effective promotional campaigns, which have delivered clear and measurable results.
The tourism boom has brought significant economic benefits. Combined international and domestic receipts hit a record ₱3.86 trillion. The sector contributed over US$91 billion to the national economy—the highest among 11 ASEAN countries—and supported roughly 23 percent of total employment.
At the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026, 81 percent of participating sellers secured sales leads worth more than ₱1.4 billion in just two days of business meetings. However, Legarda highlighted the need to turn these leads into confirmed bookings and repeat visits.
To sustain growth, she called for targeted measures. These include temporary promotional support for vulnerable routes and faster airport upgrades. She also urged the submission of airline break-even data for turboprop routes and clear timelines for runway improvements in key destinations.
Additionally, Legarda pushed for a DOT-led plan to convert TRAVEX and other trade promotion outcomes into real economic gains. The goal is to ensure that infrastructure investments translate into lasting benefits for the tourism industry.
The Philippines now holds the top spot in Southeast Asia's domestic tourism market. With record-breaking receipts and employment contributions, the sector plays a vital role in the economy. The next steps will focus on converting sales leads into bookings and accelerating infrastructure upgrades to maintain this growth.
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