Filipino Tourism Employs 6.21 Million People in 2023: Highest Growth in 24 Years

The tourism industry in the Philippines has made significant strides in its recovery from the pandemic, employing 6.21 million Filipinos in 2023. This marks a substantial increase from the 5.84 million employed in 2022, with a growth rate of 6.4%. 

The tourism sector’s share of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) also reached its highest level in 24 years, contributing 8.6% to the GDP. Domestic tourism expenditure grew by 72.3%, from P1.55 trillion in 2022 to P2.67 trillion in 2023. 

Inbound tourism expenditure, which includes foreign visitors and Filipinos permanently residing abroad, reached P697.46 billion in 2023, a 87.7% increase from 2022. Outbound tourism expenditure grew by 10%, from P189.29 billion in 2022 to P208.25 billion in 2023. Internal tourism expenditure, which includes inbound and domestic tourism, grew by 75.3%, from P1.92 trillion in 2022 to P3.36 trillion in 2023.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the importance of prioritizing the tourism sector, citing the strong emphasis of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on tourism development. Frasco expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including tourism industry players, national government agencies, local governments, and the dedicated tourism workforce, for their contributions to the industry’s growth.