The controversial flood control issue in the Philippines has had a tangible effect on foreign tourism, such as tourist arrivals in the country, according to Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
In a recent interview on the program Dos Por Dos, Secretary Garcia-Frasco explained that travel advisories issued by other countries in response to public disturbances or natural disasters—including flooding—often urge travelers to avoid the Philippines.
“So, it does have an impact. Perception-wise, meron din po siyang impact talaga,” she said.
Despite these challenges, the DOT remains hopeful for a full recovery of tourism numbers. Pre-pandemic, the Philippines recorded 8.2 million foreign visitors.
However, Secretary Garcia-Frasco acknowledged that accurate projections are difficult due to factors beyond government control, such as multiple super typhoons in 2025 and geopolitical issues affecting travel policies.
“What I have learned in the past three years is it's very difficult to give projections and targets because there are so many things beyond our control,” the Tourism chief said.
On tourism promotion, the DOT successfully secured a promotions budget of PHP 1 billion for 2026, with a total budget of approximately PHP 3.6 billion across the department and its attached agencies.
Addressing concerns about high travel costs, Secretary Garcia-Frasco noted that air connectivity and available flights are critical.
In ASEAN, the Philippines ranks sixth in available air seats for incoming international flights. To address this, the DOT has worked closely with the Department of Transportation, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and private aviation partners.
“Our Routes Development Team has helped establish 19 new direct international flights to the Philippines in 2025,” she said, citing routes from New Delhi, Vancouver, and Brisbane.
According to Garcia-Frasco, the DOT also advocates opening the skies to more international carriers to increase capacity and offer more competitive pricing.
Domestic tourism, meanwhile, remains strong; according to Secretary Garcia-Frasco, the Philippines leads ASEAN in domestic travel, with 134 million domestic trips valued at PHP 70 billion, highlighting the sector’s resilience amid international challenges.
The DOT continues to push for measures that balance foreign tourist arrivals, domestic travel growth, and competitive pricing to ensure the Philippines remains a preferred destination in the region.
