MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the latest economic forecast of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for the Philippines.

The WTTC, in its 2025 Economic Impact Research (EIR), said the tourism sector is projected to inject PHP5.9 trillion into the national economy this year, representing a 13.5 percent increase from 2019.

The group said this is set to be “a new all-time high” and will represent more than one-fifth or 21 percent of national gross domestic product (GDP), cementing the industry’s place as a backbone of the Philippine economy.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Wednesday that the projections affirm the DOT’s “resolve to elevate the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia under the Marcos administration.”

“We are grateful that the strategic shift to elevate the status of Philippine tourism by leveraging on our culture, diversifying our tourism products, introducing innovations, and focusing on quality and sustainability in tourism, is bearing fruit, with tourism spending and employment now in record high numbers,” she said in a statement.

“We at the Department of Tourism are committed to working even harder as we continue to roll out initiatives that will elevate the industry to new heights, creating a vibrant landscape for growth and sustainable livelihood for Filipinos.”

The WTTC, in the same report, said the Philippines is on course to build on its record-breaking performance in 2024, with its forecasts pointing to “even greater heights” in 2025.

The group said tourism employment will continue to reach record levels, with 11.7 million livelihoods expected to be supported by the sector this year, accounting for almost a quarter or 23.8 percent of all national employment.

International visitor spending is also on the rise, projected to reach PHP709.2 billion, up 2.1 percent on the previous high in 2019. Domestic visitor spending is anticipated to reach PHP4.1 trillion, a 9.3 percent increase over its previous peak.

“The Philippines is a standout example of how Travel & Tourism, when supported by a clear, long-term vision, can deliver real economic impact and long-term opportunity,” WTTC President and chief executive officer Julia Simpson.

“This success speaks to the country’s extraordinary appeal, its policy focus on tourism as a growth engine, and the energy of its people and private sector.”

The WTTC said the industry is poised to transform the national economy as the country continues to strengthen air connectivity, invest in infrastructure, and prioritize destination resilience. (PNA)