The Department of Tourism (DoT) yesterday reported that tourist arrivals have surged for the month of September, making their six-million annual target right on track.
According to DoT, 393,589 tourists arrived in the country in September, a number 7.46 percent higher from the same period last year.
Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo attributed the figures to their massive marketing campaign which aims to increase awareness on different Philippine destinations.
“We are well underway to achieving our target of six million international visitor arrival by the year’s end, thanks to the support of all stakeholders in the tourism sector,” she said.
As of September 2016, the country has welcomed a total of 4,464,992 visitors, 12.08 percent higher than the 3,983,627 arrivals in the same period last year.
DoT said the unabated influx of Korean visitors helped reach the figure. Data from the agency said 115,147 or 20.72 percent of the total figure are Korean tourists.
Data from the agency also showed that the spike was also driven by growth rates from top source markets. This include China, with an arrival contribution of 53,015.
Following China are the USA which provided 51,866 arrivals, and Japan with 43,525 arrivals. Trailing behind are Taiwan with 20,773 arrivals and Australia with 17,584 visitor count. (ARGYLL GEDUCOS)