Philippine tourism sector forecasted to employ over 30 million by 2028, says DOT

The Department of Tourism shares an optimistic outlook on the country’s burgeoning tourism industry at the Global Tourism Economy Forum.

Macao – The Department of Tourism (DOT) of the Philippines is bullish on the future of the country’s tourism industry, projecting employment to skyrocket to over 30 million Filipinos by the end of 2028. The forecast was made by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco during her participation in a panel discussion at the 10th edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) held in Macao.

Aiming for a tourism powerhouse

“The Philippines envisions itself becoming the tourism powerhouse in Asia. A few years down the road, by 2028, we foresee that tourism would have been able to employ a total of over 34 million Filipinos in the country,” Frasco stated. She emphasized that the ultimate goal of expanding the tourism sector must always benefit the Filipino people. “After all, the end all and be all of the development of our tourism industry must be for the benefit of our countrymen,” she added.

Current employment statistics

Based on the most recent data from the DOT, approximately 5.35 million Filipinos are currently employed in the tourism sector. This figure represents around 11.4% of total employment in the Philippines.

Marcos administration’s approach to tourism

Frasco highlighted that the current Marcos administration’s “whole-of-nation approach towards tourism development” will play a significant role in the country’s quest to become a primary tourism destination in Asia. She mentioned the nation’s diverse offerings, particularly in sun and beach tourism, as well as dive tourism, as major attractions that would propel the industry.

Sustainability remains a priority

The Tourism Secretary also reassured the public that sustainability remains a cornerstone of the Philippines’ tourism policy. “The Philippines will continue to promote travel and develop tourism infrastructure from a sustainability standpoint,” she affirmed.

Global leaders in attendance

The GTEF event saw participation from international tourism leaders, including representatives from Spain, Italy, China, and Brazil. The forum is co-organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office and China Chamber of Tourism, coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre. Notable attendees also included United Nations World Tourism Organization Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, World Travel & Tourism Council president and CEO Julia Simpson, and GTEF secretary Pansy Ho.

As the Philippine tourism sector anticipates a six-fold increase in employment within the next seven years, both the government and the industry stakeholders are optimistic that such growth will catalyze further economic development and social benefits for the nation.