DOT: Philippine tops Asean neighbors in tourism GDP, job generationAt the Asean Tourism Forum in Cebu City, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said tourism remains a powerful driver of inclusive growth, job creation and economic resilience for the Philippines. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines stood out among its neighbors in Southeast Asia when it comes to the impact of tourism on economy and employment, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said yesterday. Citing the 2025 World Travel and Tourism Council Economic Impact Report, the DOT said the country’s tourism GDP exceeded those of its neighbors including Indonesia at $71.7 billion, Thailand at $67.3 billion and Singapore at $54.6 billion. “These figures clearly show that the Philippines ranks among ASEAN’s leading tourism economies… Tourism remains a powerful driver of inclusive growth, job creation and economic resilience for our country,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said. As ASEAN chair this year, the Philippines hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cebu City this week where the ASEAN Tourism Sector Plan 2026-2030 was rolled out.

Source: Philippine Star January 30, 2026 16:34 UTC