The Philippines’ tourism industry posted its highest ever growth in 2023, with its share of gross value added as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution reaching 8.6% according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) amounted to Php2.09 trillion (US$35.6 billion) in 2023, up 47.9% year-on-year and the highest growth in tourism since the start of the data compilation in 2000, the agency explained.
GDP contribution of 8.6% was also up from 6.4% in 2022.
The authority said it considers tourism to comprise accommodation services, food and beverage serving activities, transport services, travel agencies and other reservation services, entertainment and recreation services, shopping, and miscellaneous services.
Among the forms of tourism expenditure, inbound tourism expenditure posted the highest annual growth of 87.7%, amounting to Php697.5 billion (US$11.9 billion) in 2023, while domestic tourism expenditure grew by 72.3% to Php2.67 trillion (US$45.5 billion).
Employment in tourism industries was estimated at 6.21 million in 2023, higher by 6.4% compared with the 5.84 million employed in tourism characteristic industries in 2022. The share of employment in tourism industries to the total employment in the country in 2023 was recorded at 12.9%, the agency detailed.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said, “The results of the PSA report clearly show the enthusiasm of our fellow Filipinos in exploring and experiencing the beauty of our own country, and their profound love for the Philippines.
“It reflects the strong desire to support local businesses, contribute to the growth of our economy, and demonstrate the increasing appeal of the Philippines as a destination of choice for both international visitors and our fellow Filipinos abroad.”
