The Philippines recorded 6.4 million inbound travelers in 2025, generating an estimated P694 billion in tourism receipts, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Tuesday.
Citing Bureau of Immigration data, the DOT said 5,940,975 were foreign visitors, including cruise passengers and arrivals not fully captured in the eTravel system. Another 543,085 were returning overseas Filipinos, bringing total inbound arrivals to 6,484,060.
The DOT said preliminary international visitor spending reached PHP694 billion.
Although arrivals remain below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, the DOT said the results were achieved despite global and domestic challenges, including travel advisories from key markets and fiscal constraints.
The agency said tourism performance should not be measured by arrivals alone, citing strong domestic travel, value creation, and job generation. Guided by the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028, the DOT said it continues to prioritize connectivity, safety, workforce development, and service standards.
Despite a slow recovery, the DOT said the sector reached key milestones in 2025, including the launch of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines and the hosting of the first Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific.
The agency also reported expanded investments in connectivity and tourism infrastructure. In 2025, 19 new international direct flight routes were launched, linking Manila, Cebu, Clark, Iloilo, and Kalibo to major cities in Asia, Oceania, North America, and Eastern Europe.
The country recorded 136 cruise calls, carrying 56,040 passengers and 15,071 crew members.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the sector’s performance reflects the combined efforts of tourism workers, local governments, private firms, and communities.
"Whatever gains we have made this year are only made possible because of the hard work of our tourism workers and stakeholders," Frasco said.
"Despite challenges beyond our control, they remained resilient, innovative, and committed to service, ensuring that tourism continues to generate jobs, livelihoods, and opportunities for millions of Filipinos," she added.
