THE tourism industry in the Philippines has significantly contributed P2.09 trillion to the country’s economy in 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reported on Friday.

The figure is 48 percent higher than the P1.41 trillion Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) in 2022, President Marcos said.

The amount also represents 8.6 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or P2.09 trillion, which is around US$35 billion, he explained.

According to the President, the 2023 TDGVA was impressive being the highest recorded since 2000.

In his speech at the opening ceremony of the 36th Joint Meeting of the United Nations (UN) Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia in Cebu City, President Marcos acknowledged the vital role of tourism in economies and societies.

Through the Department of Tourism (DOT), the government surpassed its 2023 tourist arrival target of 4.8 million after recording 5.45 million international tourists, the President noted.

International tourist arrival in the Philippines reached 2.9 million from January to March 2024 alone, accounting for 38.1 percent of the 7.7 million tourist arrival target this year.

“These highlight the robust recovery and continued appeal of our country as a top travel destination,” President Marcos stated.

“But going beyond monetary values and numbers, these figures also mean millions of lives being changed for the better,” he added.

President Marcos expressed optimism that the 36th Joint Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia will lead to better practices and more tourism arrivals in the Philippines and around the world.

“I am very, very optimistic that your meetings will be a platform for collaboration, for discourse, and the sharing of best practices on such crucial topics for this sector as we prepare for the activities leading up to the World Tourism Day of 2024,” President Marcos said.

The chief executive further stressed that he is looking forward to see the outcome of the meeting.

“Let us continue to use our cultural capital to connect and sample experiences and flavors that are profound and transformative. Once again, I extend my gratitude to the UN Tourism for your leadership in advancing tourism, not only here in the Philippines, not only here in our region, but in the entire world,” President Marcos said.

“I call on all the delegates, stakeholders, and partners to contribute eagerly to the success of this gathering. Let us celebrate our own cultural diversity and wonders as we build a brighter, better and future for tourism here in Asia, the Pacific, and the world,” he added.