Philippine domestic travel increased 38.16%

MANILA, Philippines — Domestic travel in the country increased by 38.16 percent last year, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Based on the Philippine tourism statistics update, 37,279,282 domestic trips were recorded in 2021.

Only 26,982,233 domestic trips were recorded in 2020, when the first COVID cases were confirmed, resulting in border closures and imposition of travel restrictions.

The DOT said the 2020 figure was 77.9 percent lower than the 122,118,141 domestic trips recorded in 2019.

The tourism industry is one of the sectors hardest hit by the COVID pandemic.

The DOT said visitor receipts amounted to only P8.49 billion last year. There was a decrease of 89.67 percent from the prior year, which saw P82.24 billion in visitor receipts.

A 90 percent decline in visitor arrivals was also recorded last year.

The DOT logged 163,879 visitor arrivals in the country last year, 88.95 percent lower than the 1,482,535 recorded in 2020.

Incoming DOT secretary Christina Frasco on Monday said she aims to make the  tourism industry a “major pillar” for economic recovery and resiliency.

“I look forward to examining all of the plans and programs that have been set in place as well as presenting new additions and innovations to the successful programs, all with a cohesive vision of not only bringing back the Philippines to its standing in the global stage, but uplifting our country to its full potential to occupy a primary position globally,” Frasco said.