Philippines’ Tourism Sector Poised for Record Economic Contribution by 2025

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released its 2025 Economic Impact Research (EIR) forecast, highlighting the anticipated growth of the Philippines’ Travel & Tourism sector. The sector is expected to contribute PHP 5.9 trillion to the national economy, marking a 13.5% increase from 2019 levels and setting a new record. This contribution would account for 21% of the country’s GDP, underscoring the sector’s vital role in the Philippine economy.

Employment and Spending Projections

The WTTC report also forecasts significant growth in employment within the Travel & Tourism sector. By 2025, the sector is expected to support 11.7 million jobs, representing nearly a quarter (23.8%) of the national workforce. This growth signals the sector’s importance in providing livelihoods and driving economic activity.

In terms of spending, international visitor expenditure is projected to reach PHP 709.2 billion, a 2.1% increase over the previous peak in 2019. Domestic visitor spending is also expected to rise, reaching PHP 4.1 trillion, a 9.3% increase from its previous high.

2024: A Year of Recovery

2024 marked a significant recovery phase for the Philippines’ Travel & Tourism sector. The sector contributed PHP 5.3 trillion to the national economy and supported 11.2 million jobs. Domestic spending surged to PHP 3.6 trillion, while international spending grew to PHP 644.8 billion. These figures indicate a robust recovery trajectory, setting the stage for the projected record-breaking performance in 2025.

Long-term Outlook to 2035

The WTTC anticipates that by 2035, the Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the Philippine economy could reach PHP 9.2 trillion, accounting for 19.8% of the economy. Over the next decade, the sector is expected to create 2.5 million new jobs, bringing total employment to 14.1 million.

The WTTC emphasizes the importance of continued investment in infrastructure, air connectivity, and destination resilience to sustain this growth. Policymakers are encouraged to support this trajectory through clear regulations, workforce development, and global promotion of the Philippines as a premier travel destination.

The WTTC’s projections highlight the critical role of the Travel & Tourism sector in the Philippines’ economic future. With strategic investments and supportive policies, the sector is poised not only to grow but to transform the national economy, providing substantial economic benefits and employment opportunities.