The Department of Tourism (DOT) is optimistic about the future of Philippine tourism, following the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) latest economic forecast, which projects a record-breaking year for the sector in 2025.
According to the WTTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Research (EIR), the tourism industry is expected to contribute P5.9 trillion to the Philippine economy—marking a 13.5 percent increase from 2019 figures. This would account for 21 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), underscoring the sector’s central role in national economic growth.
WTTC president and CEO Julia Simpson praised the Philippines for its strategic and long-term approach to tourism, describing it as a “standout example” of how the industry can drive economic transformation. “This success speaks to the country’s extraordinary appeal, its policy focus on tourism as a growth engine, and the energy of its people and private sector,” Simpson said.
Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the WTTC’s forecast, affirming the DOT’s commitment to further strengthening the industry under the Marcos administration.
“We are grateful that our efforts to elevate Philippine tourism through cultural promotion, product diversification, innovation, and a focus on quality and sustainability are yielding strong results,” Frasco said. “Tourism spending and employment are now at record levels, thanks to the collaboration between public and private sector partners and the dedication of millions working in our destinations and communities.”
She added that the DOT will continue to implement programs aimed at pushing the industry to even greater heights, fostering sustainable livelihoods and a robust tourism landscape.
The WTTC report also projects that by 2025, tourism will support 11.7 million jobs in the Philippines—equivalent to nearly 24 percent of total national employment. International visitor spending is expected to reach P709.2 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 2.1 percent, while domestic tourism spending is forecast to hit P4.1 trillion, a 9.3 percent rise over its previous peak.
Recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority and the National Economic and Development Authority showed that 16.4 million Filipinos—about 34 percent of the national workforce—benefited directly or indirectly from tourism in the first quarter of 2024.
In 2023, the industry achieved an all-time high of P760 billion in international visitor receipts, exceeding the pre-pandemic benchmark of P600 billion.
Under Frasco’s leadership, the DOT has launched key programs to diversify and expand the country’s tourism portfolio. These include Gastronomy, Halal and Muslim-friendly Tourism, Heritage and Culture, Dive, Sports, Golf, Health and Wellness, and Film Tourism.
The Philippines has also seen improved air connectivity, with direct flights to Manila now available via United Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, and Air India—boosting inbound travel.
To improve the tourist experience on the ground, the DOT, through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), is developing around 100 Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) in strategic locations nationwide. The Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) has also been launched to empower local governments to take a leading role in tourism development.
Additionally, initiatives like the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours and the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), which highlights cultural and heritage sites, have expanded travel opportunities. The PEP, in partnership with Klook, now offers accessible itineraries and travel packages to a global audience.
Further enhancements to visitor services include the launch of the 151-TOUR (151-8687) hotline and an upgraded Travel App Philippines, both aimed at assisting travelers with their needs.
Looking ahead, the WTTC projects that by 2035, the tourism sector could contribute P9.2 trillion to the Philippine economy and generate 2.5 million new jobs.
“With continued investment in infrastructure, stronger air connectivity, and a commitment to resilient and sustainable destinations, the Philippines is poised not just to grow its tourism sector—but to redefine it as a key driver of national progress,” the WTTC concluded, urging policymakers to support this momentum through smart regulation, workforce development, and global promotion.