The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By DIEGO C. CAGAHASTIAN
The first quarter of 2026 saw an increase in international visitor arrivals to the Philippines, notching a 10.43 percent uptick, totaling 1.83 million from 1.66 million a year earlier, it was disclosed by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
There were fewer arrivals from South Korea, but this was more than compensated with the influx of Chinese tourists and other inbound travelers from other key markets.
Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed arrivals totaled 644,819 in January, 630,656 in February, and 553,182 in March, pointing to sustained travel demand despite a slight tapering toward the end of the quarter.
China posted the fastest growth among major source markets, with arrivals surging 56.54 percent to 114,377 from 73,064 in the same period last year. The increase followed the Philippines’ move to grant visa-free entry for Chinese tourists for stays of up to 12 days starting Jan. 16.
Visa-free entry sought
As this developed, China plans to ask the Philippine government to expand its visa-free entry policies for its nationals to other key tourist destinations such as Boracay and Bohol, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said.
Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan raised the proposal during the Love Boracay 2026 tourism event, where he met with local officials, legislators, resort owners and tourism stakeholders.
Jing visited Boracay last April 23 to 25, on the invitation of the mayor and officials of Malay municipality in Aklan. He said he was convinced that the place will attract more Chinese tourists especially during the winter months in China.
The embassy said discussions focused on expanding visa-free arrangements to boost tourist arrivals from China.
Ambassador Jing emphasized that increasing people-to-people exchanges would naturally strengthen tourism.
“So when we bring more people to visit each other’s country… they will share their stories… and that will encourage, attract more tourists to visit each other,” he said.
The peripatetic Chinese envoy cited that there are 120 million Chinese tourists visiting key destinations all over the world, and he wanted the Philippines to take a huge portion of that market.
50% in 2 months
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz highlighted a 50-percent surge in Chinese tourist arrivals following the launch of a 14-day visa-free entry policy for e-passport holders.
The Philippines is positioning itself as a highly accessible and profitable destination for Chinese travelers following the implementation of a new visa-free policy, Philippine Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz said during a tourism presentation at the Philippine Embassy Social Hall.
FlorCruz told an audience of travel trade representatives that the country is prepared to work closely with partners to make the Philippines one of the most attractive destinations for Chinese travelers in 2026.
Visitor arrivals from China reached nearly 80,000 in January and February, representing a 50-percent increase year-on-year. The figure marks the largest growth among the country’s top 10 source markets.
FlorCruz attributed the rebound to a policy launched on Jan. 16, which allows holders of ordinary Chinese e-passports to enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days for tourism or business.