MANILA, Philippines – The local tourism industry continued on its record streak as it breached for the first time the 2.5-million mark in international arrivals in a span of five months.
Foreign visitors reached 2.52 million from January to May 2016, 13 percent higher than the 2.22 million recorded in 2015.
Latest data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed international tourists for May alone rose eight percent to 445,449 from 413,937 in the same period last year.
Receipts from tourism activities for May increased 19 percent to P20 billion from P16.8 billion generated a year ago.
Aggregate receipts for the January to May 2016 period amounted to P106.6 billion, up 14 percent from P94 billion in the same period last year.
“Our key markets posted positive figures as a result of sustained travel trade and consumer promotions while opportunity markets where the DOT has stepped up its market development initiatives continue to significantly contribute to the production,” Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon told The STAR.
East Asia contributed the biggest arrivals in May with 209,175 visitors or almost half (47 percent) of total visitor volume.
North America accounted for 20 percent of the market with 87,923 while the ASEAN region comprised nine percent contributing 40,196 arrivals. Australia and the Pacific and Northern Europe registered six percent each.
Korea remained the top tourist contributor with 576,332 arrivals or a 23 percent share in total inbound traffic.
The US supplied the second biggest inbound arrival with 377,595 visitors while the Chinese market also grew and ranked third with a total 285,348 visitors. Meanwhile, Japan provided 233,042 arrivals and Australia recorded 108,382 visitors.
Other top visitors include Taiwan with 89,792 arrivals, Canada with 82,340, United Kingdom with 76,275, Singapore with 75,756 and Malaysia with 60,911 arrivals.
Moreover, Korea provided P7.5 billion in receipts followed by the US with P3.6 billion. Japan placed third with P1.1 billion while Australia and Canada contributed P854 million and P770 million, respectively.
Spending patterns for May showed average daily expenditure was estimated at P5,580.24 while average length of stay registered at 10 nights.
For 2016, DOT has set a new target of 6.5 million international arrivals as it continues to bank on key and emerging source markets. Total receipt is target ed at $6.5 billion.