The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported a 32 percent increase in the number of foreign tourists that arrived in the country during the first three months of the year.
Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said in a statement that from January to March, a total of 764,357 foreigners arrived in the country compared to the same period last year, when only 712,076 registered.
There was also an upsurge in the number of foreigners that applied for visa extensions. From 86,159 during the first quarter of 2006, it went up to 113,836 this year.
Under BI regulations, non-restricted aliens such as Americans, Japanese and Europeans are allowed an initial period of 21 days of stay after which they may extend their visas every two months until reaching the maximum period of one year.
Restricted nationals such as Chinese, Indians and Arabs who must secure entry visas in coming here are usually admitted for initial periods from 14 days to 59 days and may extend their stay every month up to a maximum of six months.
However, Libanan clarified that for “meritorious reasons” they could allow the aliens to prolong their stay.
The newly appointed commissioner said he would be implementing more programs to further attract foreigners. “We will not relent in our efforts to welcome more foreign visitors in line with the thrust of President Arroyo to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination.” —Evelyn Z. Macairan