The Philippines tourism sector is recovering well following COVID-19. Secretary of the Philippines Department of Tourism, Christina Frasco, announced on October 7 that the country had already reached its 2022 target for foreign visitors.
Frasco told the Philippine Tourism Reception “As of today, we have received 1,767,791 foreign visitor arrivals, exceeding the 1.7 million visitors for 2022 projected by the DOT prior to June 30”. With 2 months of the year remaining, this indicates that tourist arrivals will significantly exceed predictions.
These numbers have been possible thanks to the easing of COVID-19 entry restrictions. International travelers from across the world can now travel to the Philippines. Foreign visitors still need to meet a few COVID-19 requirements to travel. Vaccine certificates and tests are required. More information at the end of this article.
In addition, the country re-introduced its extensive visa waiver program earlier this year. Swedish citizens do not need a Philippines visa to stay for up to 30 days. This policy applies to over 150 countries and is likely to have contributed to the strong resurgence of tourism.
Key to economic recovery
The tourism industry is considered key to the economic recovery of the Philippines following the challenges of the last few years. The nation’s natural beauty and attractions for sightseers make it a bucket-list destination for many travelers.
The Philippines Department of Tourism is hoping to build on the interest of international travelers. In the Philippine Tourist Reception, Secretary Frasco also spoke about the department’s intention to position the Philippines as a top tourist destination in the ASEAN and across the world.
An example of the actions being taken to achieve this aim is the Philippines Experience. This tourism project will showcase the culture, heritage, and traditions of each region.
Other programs will also be implemented in the coming months to promote tourism and help towards post-pandemic recovery efforts.
Most-visited places
It’s not only the visa-free policy of the Philippines that’s to thank for the strong 2022 visitor numbers. The nation boasts many incredible places to visit for international travelers. These places rank amongst the top Philippines tourist destinations and will likely benefit from the Department of Tourism’s initiatives.
Cebu is an island province in the Philippines that is located in the country’s Central Visayas region. The capital city of Cebu City is also the center of commerce, trade, and industry for the whole island. The island is blessed with beautiful beaches and lush greenery, making it a top tourist destination in Asia.
With its many natural attractions and rich cultural heritage, Cebu has become one of the most visited places in the Philippines.
Palawan island is a top destination in the Philippines. It is the country’s largest province, occupying a fifth of its landmass and hosting one of its most biodiverse areas.
There are many reasons why people visit Palawan, from the beaches and islands to the caves and waterfalls. The diversity of attractions on offer means that there is something for everyone.
Coron Island is located at the northern tip of Palawan. It’s considered one of the best places in the country that offers amazing scuba diving experiences. El Nido, at the northern end of Palawan island, is home to some of the finest white sand beaches in Asia. It’s known for its natural rock formations and limestone cliffs.
Luzon island is the largest and most populated island in the Philippines, and it’s also home to Manila, the country’s capital.
There are many museums, historical landmarks, and traditional markets in Manila. Tourists can also take advantage of Manila’s many shopping opportunities or enjoy some modern nightlife at one of its many bars or clubs.
Lesser-known destinations
No doubt the Philippines Department of Tourism will also be hoping to showcase some of the lesser-known destinations amongst international tourists. Many parts of the countryside remain largely undiscovered amongst foreign tourists and have great potential.
Some of the places international travelers may not have heard of include Catanduanes, Zamboanga, or Siquijor.
Current entry requirements
Travelers hoping to travel to the Philippines in the coming months should be aware that some COVID-19 restrictions remain in place.
Health requirements are now the same for visitors from all countries. This means Swedish and other European visitors need a COVID-19 vaccination certificate plus either proof of a booster dose or a negative COVID-19 test result. Passengers also need to register online for the eArrival Card in the days leading up to their trip.
Travelers need to check their health documents meet all the requirements of the Philippines government.
Entry requirements for the Philippines are subject to change at short notice. Travelers must check the latest official rules and guidelines. Foreigners who do not qualify for visa-free entry also need to apply for the relevant visa for their trip.
External writer
You can read more articles in English on NewsVoice