Following the move to reopen inbound tourism last February 10, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported an increase in tourism arrivals. 

Data from One Health Pass (OHP) showed a total of 21,974 inbound tourist arrivals in different airports across the country. These are composed of 10,074 Balikbayans and 11,900 foreign tourists who arrived from 10 to 19 February 2022.

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat expressed her optimism with the latest figures, noting her optimism for much better outcome in the succeeding months.

“The recent influx of tourists reflect foreign tourists’ enthusiasm towards visiting our country, which in turn will accelerate the revival of our tourism industry,” Puyat stressed.

Tourists from the United States of America make up the largest chunk of foreign tourists during the ten-day period with 5,516 arrivals; this is followed by 1,366 from Canada; 918 from United Kingdom; 891 from Australia; 859 from South Korea; 572 from Vietnam;  459 from Japan; and 447 from Germany.

Puyat also disclosed that the COVID-19 vaccine certificates of the Egypt, Maldives, Palau, Albania, Estonia, Greece, Malta, and Uruguay shall also be accepted as proofs of vaccination required upon entry to the Philippines. These countries were in addition to the previously approved 12 countries based on Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 162.

“We at the DOT continue to be optimistic that this trend will be sustained and will support, not only the tourism industry but also, the recovery and growth of our economy,” she added.