According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), in 2025 the Philippines registered 6,484,06 billion visitors, generating an estimated profit of PHP 694 billion (about 91.8 billion dollars, according to the Economic Impact Report 2025 of the World Council for Travel and Tourism).
Of the total number of tourists received in 2025, citing data from the Immigration Office, the DOT said that almost 6 million were foreigners (5,940,975 were international visitors).
And by 2026, at least a million more visitors are expected to arrive at the destination, according to Isabel Queen of the Department of Tourism of the Philippines, who indicated that in 2025, the Philippines received more than 6 million tourists, the busiest months being March and April.
Queen commented that visitors especially enjoyed the paradisiacal beaches and the other activities they offer in the Philippines, among which the walks on the underground River of Puerto Princesa stand out – one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in the world.
In that sense, he explained that the Puerto Princesa Underground River is the longest underground river in all of Southeast Asia and is a unique place in the world.
And he highlighted that since his nomination as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in the world, the impact has been positive in terms of investments, economy, development and others for the population of that area.
Taking into account that growth, and due to the number of tourists who arrive at the destination, the effort is now focused on keeping the place with its nature intact and the usual services, being a sustainable destination. In that context, he commented that they are currently seeking to control the capacity of the planes to the place and the tours to the underground river. As an example he mentioned that they control the number of daily boats to make the underground river tour, so it is advisable to book the tour in advance.
In reference to other places that stand out in the Philippines, he mentioned Playa del Nido, which was awarded as one of the best in Southeast Asia in 2025, it is located “in a cove with incredible reefs that are not seen in any country,” he highlighted.
He also said that Borácay Beach is another of the most outstanding, “it is a beach of more than 3 kilometers of fine white sand, and tourists like it very much,” he said. On the other hand, he mentioned that many visitors opt for mountain and nature sites that are also part of the country’s tourist offer.
Finally, Isabel Queen invited all readers to get to know her country, “we are waiting for you in the Philippines, which is one of the most relevant destinations in Southeast Asia for its beaches and its nature, but above all for the people.”
