MEDIA RELEASE

Tourism continues to grow in 2016

Philippine tourism continues to enjoy sustained growth as the country welcomed
an unprecedented 542,258 international visitors in January, posting an increase of
13.17 percent versus the 2015 inbound arrivals of 479,149 for the same month. This is
another historical first of a month breaching the 500 thousand mark. With this continued
growth, tourism remains as one of the major economic drivers of the country.
Visitor receipts, on the other hand, reached Php21.94 billion, computed from the
various tourism activities engaged in by the visitors.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said, At the
rate that the industry is growing, tourism has proven that it is an important pillar in the
countrys economic development. This rapid growth is allowing creation of decent jobs
and livelihood for many Filipinos. For 2015, tourism employment was estimated at 4.99
million with a share of 12.7 percent to national employment, already representing 4.8
percent growth from 2014.
More than the industrys performance in terms of numbers, tourism has proven
to be a successful means to spread the growth to various sectors, from the protection of
the environment to the emergence of local businesses, the development of
infrastructure, and the preservation of our cultural heritage, the Secretary added.
Korea remained at pole position as the top generating market with 147,165 and
contributing 27.14% to the total volume. The USA came in second with 84,506, with a
15.58% share. China overtakes Japan on third spot with 48,708 or 8.98 percent of
total. Japan contributed 41,691 which is 7.69 percent of the aggregate. Australia, at
fifth, generated 25,274 or 4.66% share.
Korea likewise kept its rank as the highest spending market contributing Php
6.21 billion. The USA ranked second with Php4.26 billion followed by Japan which
provided Php 1.64 billion. Canada came in fourth with Php 1.18 billion while Australia
ranked fifth with a spend of Php1.13 billion.

DOT Media Release

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We cannot thank our industry partners well enough for the unrelenting support
given our vision and goals. The convergence projects with public and private sectors
have significantly improved market access and connectivity, human resource
development, product development, environmental protection and, safety and security.
All these have contributed to keeping the fun promise and strengthening brand recall.
We seek this continued synergy to break barriers, score records high and keep our
tourism industry sustainable and inclusive, the tourism chief remarked.
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CONTACT

JAZMIN C. ESGUERRA
Director, Media and Communications Service
jcesguerra@tourism.gov.ph

DOT Media Release

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