Philippines on track to hit 6.4 million tourist arrivals target

MANILA, Philippines — Tourist arrivals may hit the 6.4 million target this year, supported by travel demand in the fourth quarter, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay told reporters in a chance interview that the agency expects to reach the 6.4 million tourist arrivals target this year, despite high fuel prices and airfares.

“I was really super anxious about the fuel prices…of course, the accompanying higher airline fees, etc. and the lower sentiment for traveling. I was afraid that it will go down, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I think we can match it,” she said.

While the DOT is aiming to attract between 6.4 million and 6.8 million international tourists this year, Angara-Mathay earlier said that reaching seven million is possible.

Latest data from the DOT showed that the country welcomed 4.42 million international tourists from January to August, up slightly from 4.38 million in the same period last year.

Last year, international tourist arrivals reached 6.48 million.

Angara-Mathay expects tourist arrivals to pick up, citing travel demand in the fourth quarter.

“The good months are the last quarter,” she said.

She also said that the planned expanded coverage of the relaxed visa scheme for Chinese tourists is expected to provide a boost to international visitor arrivals.

The DOT wants to expand the 14-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese tourists currently in place for those entering Manila and Cebu, by covering the country’s other gateways.

“There’s a direct correlation with ease of, taking out the restrictions of the visa (and) travel. So hopefully, everyone’s on board,” Angara-Mathay said, noting that one more government agency needs to be convened.

DOT data showed that China accounted for the fourth biggest source of international tourists from January to August with a 6.9 percent share or 303,567 visitors.