CEBU, Philippines — The Philippines has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s strongest tourism economies, ranking among the top contributors in both economic impact and employment generation, according to the latest report presented during the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday (Jan. 29) in Cebu.

The 2025 World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Economic Impact Report shows the Philippines leading ASEAN in tourism GDP, with a value of USD 91.8 billion—surpassing Indonesia (US$71.7 billion), Thailand (US$67.3 billion), and Singapore (US$54.6 billion). Tourism now accounts for 19.9 percent of the Philippine economy, highlighting its significance in both scale and impact within the region.

Tourism also remains a major source of employment. The Philippines supports approximately 11.22 million tourism-related jobs, representing 23 percent of total national employment, one of the highest shares in Southeast Asia. In absolute numbers, the country has the second-largest tourism workforce in ASEAN, trailing only Indonesia.

“These figures clearly show that the Philippines ranks among ASEAN’s leading tourism economies,” said Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. “Tourism remains a powerful driver of inclusive growth, job creation, and economic resilience for our country.”

Secretary Frasco added that the strong performance reflects the DOT’s focus on strengthening the tourism value chain, empowering the workforce, and ensuring that tourism growth benefits communities nationwide.

As ASEAN Chair for 2026, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation aimed at boosting tourism’s economic contribution, expanding quality employment, and positioning Southeast Asia as a resilient and competitive tourism region.