2011 Visitor Arrivals
International visitor arrivals in the Philippines grew 17.3 percent year-on-year in January 2011, on increased visitors from Korea, China and Taiwan. Even arrivals from Hong Kong, which prohibited its nationals from visiting the Philippines in August 2010, bounced back with a growth of 11.9 percent during the first month of the year.
The Department of Tourism said tourist arrivals reached 349,713 in January, up from 298,119 visits recorded a year ago. South Korea was the top source of arrivals, representing about 26 percent of the total. Arrivals from Korea posted a 28 percent growth to reach 92,249 in January.
Visitors from the United States reached 63,674, up 15 percent year-on-year, and accounted for 18 percent of the total arrivals during the month. Japan ranked third with 9 percent market share followed by China and Australia with 4.5 percent and 4 percent, respectively.
“I am delighted that the increases have been sustained,” Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim was quoted as saying. He said foreign tourists brought in US$240 million worth of cash receipts into the economy in January.
In 2010, inbound visitors to the Philippines reached a record high of 3.52 million, surpassing the target of 3.3 million earlier set by the government. For 2011, the Philippines aims to attract 3.7 million foreign tourists.
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