Jobs in the Philippine tourism industry hit over 6.2 million in 2023, nearly surpassing the ambitious target of 6.3 million jobs set for the sector by 2028 under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028.
The impressive figures are based on the latest Philippine Tourism Satellite Account (PTSA) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on June 18, 2024.
Employment within tourism-related industries grew 6.4 percent in 2023, reaching 6.21 million compared to 5.84 million in 2022. Tourism jobs now account for a substantial 12.9 percent of the country’s total employment.
The industry also achieved its highest contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP). Tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA) reached a record P2.09 trillion in 2023, up by 47.9 percent from P1.41 trillion TDGVA in 2022.
The PTSA report further highlights a significant rise in domestic tourism expenditure, growing by 72.3 percent to P2.67 trillion in 2023 from P1.55 trillion in 2022.
Inbound tourism expenditure, referring to spending by non-resident visitors, posted a record P697.46 billion in 2023, reflecting an impressive 87.7-percent growth over P371.58 billion in 2022.
The figure also surpassed the P600.01 billion recorded in 2019.
Secretary Christina Frasco noted the importance of the recently adopted National Tourism Development Plan in strengthening the industry’s foundation through infrastructure and connectivity enhancements and expanding government involvement in product, market and destination development.
She said fostering equal tourism development, shared governance and diversifying tourism offerings resulted in more jobs and a significant contribution to the economy.
The report also credited the effectiveness of new initiatives and innovative approaches implemented by the DOT since the current administration took office over two years ago.
Among the initiatives established by the DOT are the tourist rest areas (TRAs) in strategic locations, the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) to showcase emerging destinations and the opening of the Tourist Assistance Call Center to address travel-related concerns.
“We remain committed to further developing and promoting the Philippines to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia as envisioned by our President,” Frasco said.
