Philippines sees tourism surge and expands sports tourism focus

The Philippines is experiencing a significant tourism revival, with international visitor arrivals exceeding 4.11 million during the first eight months of 2026. This growth, a 3.7 percent increase compared to previous periods, is driven by strong demand from markets including the United States, South Korea, Japan, and China.

To sustain this momentum, the government is prioritizing sports tourism. Following an administrative order by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to create the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) are working to position the country as a premier destination for international sporting events. The PSC has allocated substantial funding to promote sports tourism across various regions, moving beyond Metro Manila.

Recent successes include the 2026 Karate One Youth League in Manila, which attracted 3,000 participants from 90 countries, and the Tour of Luzon cycling tournament. Additionally, authorities are working to expand visa-free access for Chinese travelers to major gateways such as Clark, Caticlan, Bohol, and Palawan to encourage exploration beyond Manila and Cebu.