THE Philippines has emerged as one of the strongest tourism economies in Southeast Asia, ranking among the region’s top contributors in economic impact and employment generation, according to a report presented at the Asean Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu.
Based on the 2025 World Travel and Tourism Council Economic Impact Report, the Philippines ranked first in Asean in tourism gross domestic product at $91.8 billion, outperforming Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.
Tourism accounts for 19.9 percent of the Philippine economy, placing the country among the most tourism-significant economies in the region in terms of scale and impact.
In employment generation, tourism in the Philippines supports about 11.22 million jobs nationwide, equivalent to 23 percent of total national employment.
This gives the country the second-largest tourism workforce in Asean, next only to Indonesia.
The data highlights the Philippines’ unique position in the region, combining high economic value with strong employment intensity, reinforcing tourism as a people-centered growth driver.
While some Asean economies show high tourism dependence with smaller overall scale, the Philippines stands out for delivering both scale and inclusivity, reinforcing tourism’s role as a people-centered growth engine.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the figures validate the sector’s key contribution to national development under the Marcos administration.
Tourism remains a powerful driver of inclusive growth, job creation and economic resilience for our country, Frasco added.
She said the Philippines’ strong performance reflects the Department of Tourism’s continued focus on strengthening the tourism value chain, empowering the workforce, and ensuring that tourism growth translates into tangible benefits for communities nationwide.
As Asean Chairman for 2026, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional cooperation that strengthens tourism’s contribution to economic growth, expands quality employment and positions Southeast Asia as a resilient and competitive tourism region.
