Philippines’ domestic tourism revenues expected to increase 8.5 percent

MANILA, Philippines – Revenues from domestic tourists are expected to increase 8.5 percent next year as the Department of Tourism (DOT) projects that the number of local travelers in the country would expand by eight percent.

Data from the tourism department showed yesterday that domestic receipts may reach P1.4 trillion in 2014, higher by P110.6 billion compared with the P1.29 trillion target set for this year.

According to DOT, the average daily expenditure of domestic tourists stood at P2,580, and this year expected to increase by 0.5 percent to P2,593 next year. The insignificant increase in daily expenses, however, will be compensated by the additional local travelers.

DOT estimated that the domestic tourists will reach 47.7 million next year from 44.1 million this year, which would drive local trips to 191 million from 176.2 million.

The average length of stay of local tourists, however, remains at close to five-nights.

Amid the country’s robust economic growth, domestic tourism has turned out to be more vibrant with local tourists revenues are expected to be more than six times than of P205.4 billion that may be generated from foreign tourists in 2013.

DOT data showed that Metro Manila is no longer the popular destination for local tourists with Boracay topping the list followed by Cebu, Bohol and Puerto Princesa and Davao.

Several budget flights, including those operated by foreign airlines, combined with the establishments of accommodation facilities in new tourist destinations have made travel affordable to more Filipinos.

With the expected higher inbound tourists, the government is trying to maximize 14 local airports by providing them with night landing facilities to enable night flights and as a way to decongest the NAIA 2 airport, which is being improved to allow arriving passengers quicker exit.