The Philippines welcomed 4,112,488 international visitors in the first eight months of 2026, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). That is a 3.7% increase from about 3.97 million in the same period last year.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the figure, based on eTravel data, is conservative because it does not yet fully capture returning overseas Filipinos.

Where visitors are coming from

The United States remained the country's largest source market with 818,318 arrivals, followed by South Korea (727,379), Japan (350,191), China (310,088) and Australia (234,156). Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Singapore and India rounded out the top 10.

China is the standout. Arrivals from the mainland rose about 69% year on year, a jump the DOT links to the 14-day visa-free entry scheme for Chinese nationals that took effect on January 16. The privilege currently applies only to travelers entering through Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Push for more visa-free gateways

The DOT is working with other government agencies on a proposal to extend visa-free entry to gateways serving major destinations, including Clark, Caticlan for Boracay, Bohol and Palawan. Angara-Mathay said broader coverage could bring more charter flights from China and more arrivals. The department is also in talks with airlines on additional charter flights linking the Philippines with secondary cities in South Korea and China.

Until the government formally announces a change, Chinese visitors entering through other airports still need a visa.

Betting on entertainment

Beyond arrivals, the DOT wants visitors to stay longer and spend more. It has signed a memorandum of understanding with Newport World Resorts to develop live shows, cultural productions and culinary experiences as part of the country's tourism offering. Under the agreement, the resort's attractions will be featured in the DOT's "Love the Philippines" campaign, and the resort will create stay, dine and watch packages and Metro Manila itineraries for visitors.

Angara-Mathay said the partnership is also meant to support the creative economy, from performers to production teams.

Eyes on the year-end

The Philippines recorded 6.4 million foreign visitors and returning overseas Filipinos in 2025. For 2026, the DOT is targeting 6.4 million to 6.8 million arrivals, with 7 million as a stretch goal. Angara-Mathay has said that matching last year's total would already be a satisfactory result, given the conflict in the Middle East and high oil prices that weigh on airline costs.

The final months of the year, including the Christmas season, will decide whether the country can reach that goal.