The Philippines is halfway through its arrival target for the end of 2024 after recording 4.08 million international visitors as of Sept. 5.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco disclosed the latest number at the opening of the 35th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) in SMX Convention Center on Friday.

The tourism chief said this figure, while still 3.61 million short of its target of 7.7 million by yearend, already reflects “sustained interest in the Philippines”.

In terms of receipts, Frasco said the sector has achieved full recovery of pre-pandemic figures, yielding PHP362 billion from January to August 2024, at least 111.17 percent higher than the PHP326 billion it recorded in the same period in 2019.

“This financial rebound underscores the growing appeal of the Philippines and the robust recovery of the tourism sector,” she said.

Frasco said the DOT would continue diversifying its portfolio to further attract international tourists to travel and discover the Philippines.

“We are pioneering new approaches such as experiential tourism and diversification of tourism products. We are moving beyond traditional tourism by inviting travelers to engage with the Philippines on a deeper level,” she said.

“We are offering unique and immersive experiences that connect visitors to the heart and soul of the Philippines,” she added.

Travel mart

Likewise, she urged locals to travel around the country and make use of travel expos like the PTM when planning trips or buying tour packages for a discounted rate

“The PTM has become a vital platform to showcase our diverse tourism offerings to the world and attract trade and consumer markets, and reinforce our position as a top travel destination,” she said.

The three-day PTM, which will run until Sept. 8, features at least 300 exhibitors from airlines, hotels and resorts, travel agencies and tour operators, and DOT regional offices.

In 2023, its organizer the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) said the event generated bookings in popular and emerging destinations across the country, including the Spratly Islands and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“This year, a number of exhibitors will also sell packages to popular international destinations – Asia, the US, Europe, and Australia as well,” it said.

Last year, the PTM drew approximately 60,000 in foot traffic and was able to reach PHP240 million in event sales. (PNA)