Why Tourists Are Skipping the Philippines Despite Southeast Asia’s Travel Boom

Post-pandemic travel has rebounded strongly, with many destinations reporting record-breaking visitor numbers. One Southeast Asian country, however, continues to trail behind its neighbours: the Philippines. In 2024, the country welcomed just 5.9 million tourists—well short of its pre-pandemic peak of 8.3 million. During the first quarter of this year, foreign arrivals were still 27% lower than pre-COVID levels for the same period. Given its rich natural attractions and famously warm hospitality, the Philippines’ tourism underperformance raises pressing questions. This issue has sparked widespread discussion among Filipinos, particularly after a viral social media thread earlier this year questioned why the country ranks so low on travellers’ wish lists. What is the economic cost of this unrealised potential, and what steps is the government taking to draw more visitors? As relations with China have recently deteriorated—resulting in fewer Chinese tourists—attention is also turning to which new markets the Philippines hopes to attract in the years ahead. 00:00​ Fall in tourists to the Philippines 03:40 Slow pandemic tourism rebound: why? 11:30 The problem with Manila airport 15:30 Traffic congestion deter tourists 19:19 Upgrading of transport infrastructure 25:20 Losing Chinese tourists 29:53 Does the Philippines have an image problem? 34:40 Closing remarks ========= ABOUT THE SHOW: watch original video on @CNAInsider Insight investigates and analyses topical issues that impact Asia and the rest of the world. ================== #CNAInsider​ #CNAInsight​ #Philippines​ #PhilippinesTourism​ #PhilippinesTravel​