The Philippines recorded 5.6 million foreign visitor arrivals as of Dec. 20, maintaining levels consistent with the previous year while setting the stage for a major market recovery in 2026.
According to data from the Department of Tourism (DOT), current arrival figures remain below the record levels seen in 2019. Officials identified China as a primary area for growth, which currently sits as the country’s sixth-largest source market with 262,144 arrivals, trailing South Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada.
The DOT noted that China’s performance was “largely influenced by visa disruptions, security perceptions, and limited air connectivity.” To address these hurdles, the government recently reintroduced the Philippine e-Visa for Chinese nationals in November.
Tourism Attaché to China Ireneo Reyes described the move as a vital component in rebuilding the travel pipeline.
“The e-Visa resumption is a critical step forward and a clear signal that the Philippines is open, ready, and eager to welcome our Chinese friends,” Reyes said. “While the timing meant that its full benefits could not be felt within the peak booking periods of 2025, we expect a more visible impact beginning the first quarter of 2026.”
The agency also highlighted that air travel remains a bottleneck, with routes between China and the Philippines currently operating at only 45 percent of their pre-pandemic capacity.
“The Department is working closely with aviation and tourism stakeholders to gradually rebuild connectivity and confidence,” the DOT stated. “With China being one of the world’s largest outbound travel markets, improving air connectivity presents a major opportunity.”
Despite these challenges, the tourism sector continues to be a primary economic driver. In 2024, the industry generated P3.86 trillion in receipts and supported 6.75 million jobs for Filipinos.
Looking ahead, the agency expressed confidence that administrative improvements and increased flight frequencies will stabilize the industry’s trajectory.
“The DOT remains optimistic that improved access, safety measures, and connectivity will drive a stronger rebound of the Chinese market and help lift overall arrival figures moving forward,” the department said.
