BY KATRINA SANCHEZ/ADDU INTERN
THE TOURISM industry contributed 8.6% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, translating to P2.09 trillion tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA), which was the highest peak it reached in over two decades.
The TDGVA refers to the value that the tourism-related industries contribute to the economy. In 2023, the TDGVA was 47.9% higher than the 2022 figure, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) latest census released on July 9.
“This highlights the sector’s vital role in the national economy, driving significant economic activities and generating revenue,” said DOT XI director Tanya Rabat-Tan during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas held at NCCC Victoria Plaza.
Tan also unveiled the tourism industry’s latest milestones, accomplished programs, and post-pandemic recoveries to recognize its substantial attributes to the country’s economy and promote tourism-related enterprises.
“Tourism provided employment for 6.21 million Filipinos, demonstrating its critical role in job creation and livelihood support across various regions in the country,” she said.
Meanwhile, 5.45 million international visitors were recorded in 2023 instead of the targeted 4.8 million international visitors projected to visit the country that same year.
“These figures showed the Philippines’ 100.08% recovery rate in 2023, indicating a robust rebound from the impacts of the pandemic and surpassing the 2023 global recovery rate for international tourism,” Tan stated.
Moreover, working towards attaining growth, the president approved the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) for 2023-2028, serving as the blueprint and development framework for the tourism industry. Under this, one of the programs launched is the Tourism Champions Challenge, which focuses on balanced support for and improving tourism products among the country’s established goods or services.
The DOT persistently maximizes its scope, seeking out potentials of tourism expeditions and expanding its traditional portfolio to generate positive economic growth for the Philippines as a premier tourist destination.
