Philippine tourism on a winning streak
Tourism to the Philippines has been on a strong upward trajectory over the past years. The rise of visitor numbers to the country is unprecedented, with the five-million mark crossed in 2015 for the first time ever – 11.5 per cent over 2014 figures – and at least six million expected for this year.
Almost all source markets are up, starting from South Korea, which continues to supply the highest arrival numbers to the country, and the US, China, Japan and Australia as the top five, followed by significant increases in arrivals from Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, UK and Malaysia and a number of Western European countries.
And there is also a convincing explanation for this: Apart from the Philippines’ natural beauty as a holiday destination, its friendly, well-educated and English-speaking population, its affordability and the wide range of accommodation options for visitors, it is also the improving infrastructure which is acknowledged by tourists.
For example, the Philippines’ most attractive beach destination, Boracay – which is expected to attract 1.7 million visitors this year alone – is much easier to reach as it used to be, and this is also true for other destinations such as beautiful Palawan or Cebu-Mactan-Bohol area or the idyllic north of the country.
But not just beachgoers find their paradise in the Philippines. The country also has many and increasing options for shoppers, adventure seekers, nature lovers, outdoor types and, last but not least, expats and retirees, who find a combination of an inviting visa regime and premium accommodation at the best prices attainable.
Tourism to the Philippines has been on a strong upward trajectory over the past years. The rise of visitor numbers to the country is unprecedented, with the five-million mark crossed in 2015 for the first time ever – 11.5 per cent over 2014 figures – and at least six million expected for this year. Almost all source markets are up, starting from South Korea, which continues to supply the highest arrival numbers to the country, and the US, China, Japan and Australia as the top five, followed by significant increases in arrivals from Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, UK and Malaysia and...
Tourism to the Philippines has been on a strong upward trajectory over the past years. The rise of visitor numbers to the country is unprecedented, with the five-million mark crossed in 2015 for the first time ever – 11.5 per cent over 2014 figures – and at least six million expected for this year.
Almost all source markets are up, starting from South Korea, which continues to supply the highest arrival numbers to the country, and the US, China, Japan and Australia as the top five, followed by significant increases in arrivals from Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, UK and Malaysia and a number of Western European countries.
And there is also a convincing explanation for this: Apart from the Philippines’ natural beauty as a holiday destination, its friendly, well-educated and English-speaking population, its affordability and the wide range of accommodation options for visitors, it is also the improving infrastructure which is acknowledged by tourists.
For example, the Philippines’ most attractive beach destination, Boracay – which is expected to attract 1.7 million visitors this year alone – is much easier to reach as it used to be, and this is also true for other destinations such as beautiful Palawan or Cebu-Mactan-Bohol area or the idyllic north of the country.
But not just beachgoers find their paradise in the Philippines. The country also has many and increasing options for shoppers, adventure seekers, nature lovers, outdoor types and, last but not least, expats and retirees, who find a combination of an inviting visa regime and premium accommodation at the best prices attainable.
