Since January of this year, the Philippines has welcomed more than 1.8 million foreign visitors, according to Christina Garcia Frasco, the country's tourism secretary, on Wednesday (May 3).

Frasco stated at a symposium hosted here that "we have met last year's target of 1.7 million in four months," adding that the nation wants to become a "tourism powerhouse" in Asia.

She blamed the influx of tourism on the increased, unchecked demand for vacations as well as the rise in "revenge travel."

She said three techniques are being implemented: connectedness, ease, and equality.

According to Frasco, the Philippines is implementing changes to make visas easier to get for tourists. These include electronic visas, the reinstatement of group visas, and visas on arrival.

The Philippines' tourism sector was a major economic engine in 2019, contributing 12.7% of the country's GDP.

The Covid-19 outbreak, which reduced international arrivals and forced nearly 1.1 million service workers out of their jobs worldwide, did a significant blow to the tourism industry.

Since easing entry restrictions, the Philippines welcomed more than 2.65 million foreign visitors in 2022, bringing in about US$3.82 billion in revenue. The goal of the nation is to draw 4.8 million foreign tourists by 2023.

The momentum for a recovery in tourism has already started, which is fantastic news, according to Frasco.