Dennis Gaviola

Travelers arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on March 12, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

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NAIA TERMINAL 3

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173910873055520240312-airport-naia-terminal-3-JC-0207.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Travelers arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on March 12, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/Fie"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Travelers arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on March 12, 2024. <em>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span>MANILA -- Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said she is optimistic of growth for the tourism industry this year despite external and domestic headwinds.</div><p>This, after the country posted a record high ₱760 billion of total international visitor receipts in 2024.</p><p>&quot;Yung P760 billion in international visitor receipts ay isang malaking indikasyon na mahal na mahal ng buong mundo ang Pilipinas,&quot; Garcia-Frasco said.</p><p>For January, it has already recorded a 9% month-on-month growth from the same month last year, the official said.</p><p>She added that this growth could further boost job creation in the sector for the Filipino workforce.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/1/10/ph-sees-all-time-high-visitor-revenues-1743">READ: Philippines sees all-time high international tourist revenues</a></div><p>Meanwhile, Philippine Travel Tour Association (PTAA) President Mariegel Tankiang Manotok said the Philippines was identified as the largest domestic tourism market in Southeast Asia.</p><p>She said the current $66.2 billion value of the domestic tourism sector has the potential for more growth if the costs of domestic travel could ease further.</p><p>The government as well as private stakeholders are working together to find ways to make domestic travel more attractive for all.</p><p>&quot;Sometimes, unfortunately, it&#x27;s even cheaper to go to other countries than locally. That is one challenge that we have to look at… We are trying to also talk to other local LGU [local government units] how they can sponsor certain places or subsidize certain things or diminish taxes and help incentivize all the local businesses as well,&quot; she said.</p><p>Improving infrastructure and connectivity, and reducing taxes can also help lower travel costs. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/1/2/philippines-books-p712-billion-in-tourism-receipts-1222">READ: Philippines books P712 billion in tourism receipts</a></div><p>&quot;We&#x27;ve been talking to our government to at least give, lower the tax in the tourism sector… also to give incentives sa mga investors,&quot; PTAA Vice President Jaison Yang said.</p><p>PTAA has organized the 32nd Travel Tour Expo at the SMX in Pasay. The group is offering promotions and huge discounts on tour packages to entice more people to travel either locally or internationally.</p><p>— <strong>with reports from Jekki Pascual, ABS-CBN News</strong></p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div>

<p>Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said she is optimistic of growth for the tourism industry this year despite external and domestic headwinds.</p>

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said she is optimistic of growth for the tourism industry this year despite external and domestic headwinds.

DOT says 'love for PH' to drive international tourism growth in 2025

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DOT says 'love for PH' to drive international tourism growth in 2025

ABS-CBN News

Published February 07, 2025 08:02 PM PHT

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Updated February 09, 2025 09:48 PM PHT

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