MANILA -- Philippine tourism receipts reached P712 billion from January 1 to December 15, 2024, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Thursday.

The DOT said this shows a 119 percent recovery rate from the 2019 pre-pandemic numbers.

The tourism department made the statement as it welcomes Japan's decision to lower its travel advisory levels to parts of Mindanao.

Japan lowered its travel advisory levels from Level 2 to Level 1 for the following areas:

-Davao region
-Misamis Oriental
-Surigao City

Japan also lowered its travel advisory levels to the eastern part of Sarangani (Malungon, Alabel, Malapatan, and Glan) from Level 3 to Level 2.

Level 1 travel advisory advises Japanese citizens to take extra care while traveling, and Level 2 advises them against non-essential and non-urgent travel. Level 3 stops them from travelling at any time.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said she hopes this will pish other countries to visit the Philippines for more than its "sun and beach destinations."

Japan is the third largest country in terms of tourist arrivals to the Philippines, bringing in 378,935 visitors as of December 28, 2024.

The DOT hoped to bring in 7.7 million foreign tourist arrivals by the end of 2024.