While the bloc’s chairmanship is a plus point, Manila needs to overcome accessibility challenges to attract more regional tourists
The archipelagic state, famous for its white sand beaches, managed to draw just 2.1 million of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ 48.5 million tourist arrivals in the first four months of this year.
The Philippines received 5.9 million visitors in 2024, falling short of its 7.7 million target, data from travel intelligence firm Outbox Company showed. Malaysia and Thailand led the region at 13.4 million and 12.09 million, respectively.
To reverse that trend and catch up with its rivals, Manila is “tailoring our interventions to ensure the Philippines is the top-of-mind choice for our increasingly affluent regional neighbours”, Department of Tourism spokeswoman Ina Zara-Loyola told local media this week.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
