[International] Philippines' Nearly One-Year Visa-Free Trial Sees 12% Growth in Taiwanese Tourists in First 5 Months
bellala 央廣4h ago
The latest statistics from the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) show that from January to May this year, over 90,000 Taiwanese tourists visited the Philippines, an increase of 12% compared to the same period last year. Taiwan ranks 7th among the Philippines' main international tourist source countries, and industry insiders believe the visa-free measure may be a driving factor.
According to DOT data, the Philippines welcomed a total of 2,526,629 foreign tourists from January to May this year, an 8.34% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
In terms of major source markets, South Korea remains the largest source of international travelers to the Philippines, with 499,944 visitors in the first five months of this year, accounting for 18.24% of the total foreign tourists. However, this is a 9.58% decrease compared to the same period last year.
The United States ranks second with 480,813 tourists, an 8.50% year-on-year increase, accounting for 17.54% of foreign tourists. Japan ranks third with 204,726 tourists, a 7.89% increase, accounting for 7.47% of foreign tourists.
Chinese tourists rank fourth with 186,860 visitors, a 63.2% increase compared to the same period last year, marking the highest growth rate among the top 10 international tourism markets. Australia and Canada rank fifth and sixth, respectively.
Taiwan ranks seventh, with 93,727 visitors to the Philippines from January to May this year, accounting for 3.42% of the Philippines' foreign tourist market. This is a 12% increase from 83,685 visitors in the same period last year. In terms of monthly performance, Taiwanese tourists reached a peak of 27,463 in February, the highest single month so far this year.
The DOT has not analyzed the reasons for the growth in Taiwanese tourists, but the Philippines has been piloting a 14-day visa-free treatment for Taiwanese travelers since July last year, which industry insiders believe may be a driving factor. The visa-free measure for Taiwan is set to expire at the end of June this year, and industry insiders say some Taiwanese citizens have already begun inquiring about its extension.
Other countries in the top 10 international tourism markets include the United Kingdom, Singapore, and India.
Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Maria Rita Dita Angara-Mathay recently stated at an American Chamber of Commerce event that the Philippine government is promoting various measures, including improving transportation links, expanding tourism experiences, and encouraging active participation from the private sector in tourism industry development.
She emphasized that tourism begins with accessibility. If it is difficult for travelers to reach their destinations, developing tourism will be twice as effective with half the effort. Therefore, the DOT will collaborate with the Department of Transportation, airlines, and tourism industry players to actively open new routes.
In addition to enhancing accessibility, the Philippine government will also strengthen the development of high-value-added tourism markets, including Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), culinary tourism, wellness tourism, educational tourism, and retirement tourism.
Angara-Mathay stated that the Philippines' goal is not just to attract more tourists, but also to hope that their visits are longer, their spending is higher, and they have deeper interactions with local communities. (Editor: Chung Chin-lung)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215574
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