International visitor arrivals in the Philippines surpassed 4.8 million in the first 10 months of 2024, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Friday.
It said in a statement that coinciding with its attendance at the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, international arrivals to the Philippines reached 4,879,022 as of Nov. 1, 2024, aligning with the year-end target of 7.7 million arrivals.
The DOT said the 2024 World Travel Market offers an opportunity to attract more tourists from the European market.
“The United Kingdom leads as the top European source of visitors, ranking as the Philippines’ ninth-largest source market, with 128,660 arrivals recorded from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31,” the DOT said.
“As the U.K. outbound travel market rebounds, it presents a valuable opportunity for the Philippines,” it said.
The DOT said that with U.K. tourists looking for destinations that offer value and unique experiences, it is confident the Philippines’ “diverse landscapes, rich history, and immersive travel experiences” match well with the market’s preferences.
The DOT affirmed that the Philippines is a “premier global destination.”
The WTM, taking place from Nov. 5 to 7, is one of the leading global business-to-business events for the travel industry, bringing together tourism professionals, government ministers, and international media to showcase innovations in travel and tourism.
“With our largest delegation of tour operators, hotels, and resorts since the pandemic, the DOT and TPB Philippines are strategically positioned to strengthen international partnerships and solidify the Philippines as a premier destination in the global tourism market, reaffirming our commitment to transforming the country into a tourism powerhouse in Asia, as envisioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
Frasco will lead the Philippine delegation at WTM 2024, joined by TPB chief operating 0pfficer Maria Margarita Nograles, other government officials, and representatives from 22 private-sector tourism stakeholders.
Meanwhile, in observance of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day long weekend, the DOT encouraged both local and foreign tourists to enjoy this special time in the Philippines.
