TOURIST ARRIVALS from China fell short of the 2 million projection last year as the Philippines maintained a visa regime that is stricter than those of its ASEAN neighbors, the Department of Tourism (DoT) said.
Citing the suspension of the electronic visa scheme for Chinese visitors, Tourism Secretary Ma. Christina G. Frasco said arrivals from China numbered 312,222 in 2024.
In 2019 — the last full pre-pandemic year — tourist arrivals from China totaled 1.74 million.
“The suspension of the e-visa policy for Chinese travelers was in stark contrast to the policies of our ASEAN neighbors, wherein a visa is no longer required from China or Chinese visitors, or they allow a visa on arrival,” Ms. Frasco said.
The DoT said it is hoping for the e-visa program to be restored for China. An e-visa scheme is also being readied for India.
“We are grateful that the President has directed an e-visa authority option that will be explored for the Indian market,” she said.
The DoT also cited the reduced budget for tourism programs and projects, saying they hinder the achievement of tourist arrival goals.
In particular, the department said that its budget for branding and promotion was slashed to P100 million in the General Appropriations Act, from the P500 million proposed in the National Expenditure Program.
“The challenge of very limited funding for branding and promotions (adds to) the difficulty of making sure the Philippines is present in the consciousness of potential travelers in markets around the world,” Ms. Frasco said.
“We anticipate it will affect tourism arrivals considering the reduced opportunity to market the Philippines,” she added.
The budget cuts for construction and rehabilitation of tourism roads were also cited as a concern, with only P6 billion allocated for such activities in 2025 from P15 billion in 2024.
Last year, the Philippines received 5.95 million international visitors, up 9.15% but below the 7.7 million target. — Justine Irish D. Tabile