Manila: The Philippines has recorded 5.6 million in foreign visitor arrivals as of Dec. 20, nearly equal to the inbound figures it logged in 2024. The number remains short of the 2019 recorded levels prior to the pandemic, but the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday expressed optimism for 2026 as the country anticipates an increase in the Chinese market with the recently resumed e-Visa for China.
According to Philippines News Agency, data showed that China ranked sixth in tourist arrivals with 262,144, behind South Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada-a performance, the DOT said, was 'largely influenced by visa disruptions, security perceptions, and limited air connectivity.' Tourism Attach© to China Ireneo Reyes said the reintroduction of the Philippine e-Visa in November marks a critical step toward restoring confidence and easing travel for Chinese tourists, with stronger gains expected in early 2026.
Reyes noted, '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.' He added that while the full benefits could not be felt within the peak booking periods of 2025, they expect a more visible impact beginning the first quarter of 2026.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco earlier attributed the decrease in Chinese and Korean arrivals to the suspension of e-Visa and weak Korean won. These countries were the top markets prior to the pandemic. The DOT added that recovery was constrained by reduced flight capacity, with China-Philippines routes operating at only about 45 percent of pre-pandemic levels, but engagements with airlines and aviation stakeholders are ongoing to gradually restore routes and seat capacity.
The department emphasized that they are working closely with aviation and tourism stakeholders to gradually rebuild connectivity and confidence. 'With China being one of the world's largest outbound travel markets, improving air connectivity presents a major opportunity,' it said.
Despite budget constraints and market-specific challenges, the agency stated that Philippine tourism remains resilient, generating PHP3.86 trillion in receipts in 2024 and supporting 6.75 million tourism-related jobs for Filipinos. '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,' it concluded.
