The Philippine travel and tourism sector contributed a staggering $91.8 billion to the national economy, according to the 2025 World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Economic Impact Report.
The data, presented by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) during a meeting of Southeast Asian tourism ministers on Friday, underscores the Philippines’ position as a dominant force in regional tourism.
The sector now accounts for 19.9 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), outperforming major regional economies including Indonesia ($71.7 billion), Thailand ($67.3 billion), and Singapore ($54.6 billion).
The report also highlighted the industry’s role as a primary engine for employment.
Tourism currently supports 11.2 million jobs nationwide, representing 23 percent of the country’s total workforce—a figure surpassed in the region only by Cambodia.
ADB Economist Sanchita Basu Das noted that the Philippines has successfully increased its revenue per arrival.
As of September 2025, receipts per arrival stood at $1,631, a significant jump from the $1,184 recorded in 2019.
Despite this growth, the ADB urged ASEAN nations to further boost revenue to compete with North American and European averages.
The surge in economic impact coincides with a broader regional recovery. ASEAN recorded 144 million international arrivals in 2025, finally exceeding the pre-pandemic benchmark of 143.6 million set in 2019.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 2026 ASEAN Tourism Forum, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding regional connectivity.
“We are doubling down on route development, especially among our Southeast Asian neighbors,” Frasco said, noting that Cebu recently added 13 new international routes while Manila added 23.
The ADB’s current proposals for the region include increasing the share of intra-regional travel from 38 percent to 45 percent by 2030 to ensure the industry remains resilient against global market shocks.