Philippines Tops Southeast Asia in Domestic Tourism Spending

Photo courtesy of Inquirer

The Philippines has become the leader in domestic tourism spending in Southeast Asia, as reported by Tourism Chief Christina Frasco. She announced during a Senate committee meeting on the Department of Tourism's budget that the country's domestic tourism expenditure reached $63.4 billion in 2024. This surge is attributed to over 134 million domestic trips made by Filipinos, highlighting a strong preference for local travel.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council's impact report, the Philippines holds a 35.8% share of domestic tourism spending among ASEAN countries. Thailand and Indonesia follow, with expenditures of $33.4 billion and $22.5 billion, representing 18.8% and 12.7% of the ASEAN market, respectively. Frasco emphasized that these numbers reflect Filipinos' affection for their country's attractions and their significant contribution to the nation’s tourism industry.

The financial impact goes beyond just spending. Visitor arrivals in the Philippines reached nearly 6 million in 2024, generating P700 billion in revenue. This growth underscores the success of efforts to promote local destinations and how they play a crucial role in supporting the economic prosperity of these areas.

Looking forward, the domestic tourism expenditure is forecasted to increase, reaching $70.8 billion. Authorities are optimistic about this upward trend, predicting sustained interest in local travel and the potential for even greater economic benefits in the coming years. Maintaining this momentum will depend on continuing to enhance travel experiences and infrastructure within the country.

Key Takeaways

• The Philippines leads ASEAN with a $63.4 billion in domestic tourism.
• Filipinos made over 134 million domestic trips in 2024.
• Tourism growth contributed P700 billion from nearly 6 million visitors.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Inquirer 2025-09-25