Tourism in the Philippines


Tourism is an important sector for Philippine economy. In 2015, the travel and tourism industry contributed 10.6% to the country's GDP. Philippines is an archipelagic country composed of 7,641 islands with 82 provinces divided in 17 regions. The country is known for having its rich biodiversity as its main tourist attraction. Its beaches, heritage towns and monuments, mountains, rainforests, islands and diving spots are among the country's most popular tourist destinations. The country's rich historical and cultural heritage, including its festivals and indigenous traditions, are also one of the attractions of Philippines. Popular destinations among tourists are Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, and many more.
As of 2015, 4.99 million Filipinos have been employed in the tourism sector and the government collected P227.62 billion pesos from foreign tourists, almost 25% of which came from Boracay. The country attracted a total of 5,360,682 foreign visitors in 2015 through its successful tourism campaign of "It's More Fun in the Philippines". In 2017, foreign arrivals peaked at 6,620,908.
Philippines has garnered numerous titles related to tourism, namely, the traditional capital of the world's festivities, the capital of the western Pacific, the centre of Hispanic Asia, the Pearl of the Orient Seas, center of the Coral Triangle, and the capital of fun. The country is also a biodiversity hotspot, having the world's highest endemism rate for bird species, and one of the highest for mammals and flora. It is also the largest bastion for Roman Catholicism in all of Asia. The country is also home to one of the New7Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and one of the New7Wonders Cities, the Heritage City of Vigan. It is also home to six UNESCO world heritage sites scattered in nine different locations, three UNESCO biosphere reserves, three UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, four UNESCO memory of the world documentary heritage, one UNESCO creative city, two UNESCO world heritage cities, seven Ramsar wetland sites, and eight ASEAN Heritage Parks. More than 90% of Filipinos can understand and speak English, as many are multilingual.

Overview

Tourism makes an important part to the economy of the country. The growth of the economy had been into a major change since the end of the People Power Revolution up until the present time because of the growth of tourism.
In 2000, Philippines' tourist arrivals totaled 2.2 million. In 2003, it totaled 2,838,000, a growth of almost 29%, and was expected to grow as much as 3.4 million in 2007. In the first quarter of 2007, the tourist arrival in Philippines grew as much as 20% in same period last year. In 2011, the Department of Tourism recorded 3.9 million tourists visiting the country, 11.2 percent higher than the 3.5 million registered in 2010.
In 2012, Philippines recorded 4.27 million tourist arrivals, after the Department of Tourism launched a widely publicized tourism marketing campaign entitled "It's More Fun In the Philippines".
The 2017 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum ranked the Philippines 79th out of 136 countries overall. The country's best-rated features were price competitiveness and natural resources.
The tourism industry employed 3.8 million Filipinos, or 10.2 per cent of national employment in 2011, according to data gathered by the National Statistical Coordination Board. In a greater thrust by the Aquino administration to pump billion to employ 7.4 million people by 2016, or about 18.8 per cent of the total workforce, contributing 8 per cent to 9 per cent to the nation's GDP.
The official heritage properties of the Philippines are listed under the National Government's Philippine Registry of Cultural Property, Pinagmulan: Enumeration from the Philippine Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the National Integrated Protected Areas System. Properties registered among those lists are heralded as possible nominations to the UNESCO World Heritage List, where at least 16 declarations containing 19 properties have been recognized by UNESCO through its 4 different lists.

History

Tourism in the Philippines traces its origins during the ancient times when the first set of people chose to migrate through land bridges, followed by the other sets of migrations from the Malayan archipelago in the south and Taiwan in the north. Through time, numerous ethno-linguistic groups developed, until some of they became monarchies, plutocracies, hunter-gatherers, city-states, and so on. Trade also became part of the tourism as Arabs, Indians, Japanese, Chinese, Malays, and other ethnic groups in mainland Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Ryukyu traded goods with the natives. When the islands became part of the territory of Spain, an influx of Spanish people migrated into the country, though still few compared to the Spanish migrations in South America as the Philippines was farther from Spain.
The tourism industry first truly flourished during the late 19th to early 20th century due to the influx of immigrants from Europe and the United States. It was listed as one of the best countries to visit in Asia aside from Hong Kong and Japan, earning the nickname "Pearl of the Orient Seas". The tourism declined during and after the World War II, leaving the country with a completely devastated economy, and a landscape filled with destroyed heritage towns. The second wave of tourist influx flourished in the 1950s but declined drastically during the dictatorship era. After the People Power Revolution, the tourism industry continued to decline due to the domino effect caused by the dictatorship. The industry only managed to cope in 1991 and 1992, where 1.2 million tourists visited the Philippines. It afterwards waned again after a decade due to corrupt practices in government.
The tourism industry flourished again for the third time at the early part of the 2010s under the "It's More Fun in the Philippines" slogan, which was widely regarded as an international success, gaining international media attention. The country saw an influx of tourists from all over the world, with the help of social media and the creative tagline, the tourism went at its peak with having 5,360,682 foreign million tourists recorded in 2015. The industry continued to grow in 2017, but the growth rate from Western tourists drastically decreased due to an ongoing drug war and the declaration of martial law in Mindanao. Nonetheless, the growth continued due to an influx of Asian and Russian tourists.

Country visitor statistics


RankCountry201920182017201620152014201320122011
11,989,3221,587,9591,607,8211,475,0811,339,6781,175,4721,165,7891,031,155925,204
21,743,3091,255,258968,447675,663490,841394,951426,352250,883243,137
31,064,4401,034,396957,813869,463779,217722,750674,564652,626624,527
4682,788631,801584,180535,238495,662463,744433,705412,474375,496
5327,273240,842236,777229,303177,670142,973139,099216,511181,738
6286,170279,821259,433251,098241,187224,784213,023191,150170,736
7238,850226,429200,640175,631153,363143,899131,381123,699117,423
8209,206201,039182,708173,229154,189133,665122,759113,282104,466
9158,595171,795168,637176,057181,176179,099175,034148,215137,802
10139,882145,242143,566139,133155,814139,245109,437114,51391,752
11134,963121,124107,27890,81674,82461,15252,20646,39542,844
12103,75692,09085,43186,36375,34872,80170,94967,02361,193
1391,653117,984111,135116,328122,180114,100126,008118,666112,106
1488,57774,38964,77755,38445,50538,94639,04233,70929,591
1570,81976,65162,92344,34848,17846,75745,58236,62734,542
1666,69852,32839,95133,89531,57929,80026,59920,81717,781
1761,29259,79348,72747,91344,03845,94347,87440,98737,862
1849,74844,13036,95432,09724,14419,35317,12615,89514,648
1948,15929,96133,27928,21025,27832,08735,40428,27020,185
2043,74846,96654,71656,08150,88443,48338,96930,04027,945
2141,31337,04733,82131,87628,63225,23622,59522,19521,029
2238,95135,17830,43725,94521,62019,86517,66816,74015,798
2337,87233,34028,98323,43120,57917,70415,78314,10012,782
2429,96631,07129,83729,42027,20025,54824,90723,55722,335
2527,89228,80527,70326,06223,20621,86122,957
—All Countries8,260,9137,127,6786,620,9085,967,0055,360,6824,833,3684,681,3074,272,8113,917,454

Annual statistics

YearArrivalsChange
19961,049,367
19971,222,523 16.5%
19981,149,357 6.0%
19991,170,514 1.8%
20001,992,169 70.2%
20011,796,893 9.8%
20021,932,677 7.6%
20031,907,226 1.3%
20042,291,347 20.1%
20052,623,084 14.5%
20062,843,335 8.4%
20073,091,993 8.8%
20083,139,422 1.5%
20093,017,099 3.9%
20103,520,471 16.7%
20113,917,454 11.3%
20124,272,811 9.1%
20134,681,307 9.6%
20144,833,368 3.3%
20155,360,682 10.9%
20165,967,005 11.3%
20176,620,908 11.0%
20187,127,168 7.7%
20198,260,913 15.24%

Attractions

Immovable Tangible Heritage

The Philippines has at least 144 distinct ethno-linguistic groups, each having their own distinct cultures. Each region of the Philippines has different traditions, honed and conserved by numerous ethnic groups distinct from each other. Currently, there are six UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered in nine different locations, two UNESCO World Heritage Cities, one UNESCO Creative City, three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, seven Ramsar Wetland Sites, and eight ASEAN Heritage Parks in the Philippines. The last three lists reinforces the title of the Philippines as one of the biodiversity hotspots declared by Conservation International. The following are the most significant natural and cultural heritage sites of the Philippines, including sea territories:
RegionAttractions
Ilocos RegionChurches of Ilocandia • Vigan, UNESCO World Heritage Site • Bolinao • Heritage Railways and Stations of Luzon • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines • Laoag
Cordillera Administrative RegionRice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, UNESCO World Heritage Site • Churches of Cordillera • Kabayan Mummy Burial Caves • Alab Petroglyphs • Mount Pulag • Baguio, UNESCO Creative City • Lubuagan • Kiangan • Sagada • Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park • Cassamata Hill National Park • Mount Data National Park
Cagayan ValleyChurches of Cagayan Valley • Batanes • Lal-lo and Gattaran Shell Middens • Sierra Madre Range • Penablanca Petrographs • Paleolithic Archaeological Sites in Cagayan Valley • Kalipung-awan Rise
Central LuzonMalolos • Baler • Churches of Central Luzon • Mount Pinatubo • Sierra Madre Range • Zambales Mountains • Heritage Railways and Stations of Luzon • San Fernando • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines • Bataan Monuments on World War II • Pampanga Sugar Central Sites • Historic Rice Plantations of Tarlac • Kalipung-awan Rise • Candaba Swamp • Subic • Angeles • Minalungao National Park
Metro ManilaChurches of Manila • Intramuros • Rizal Park • University of Santo Tomas • Heritage Railways and Stations of Luzon • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines • National Monuments of Manila • Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area, Ramsar Wetland Site
CalabarzonTaal • Churches of Calabarzon • Kawit • Sariaya • Tayabas • Sierra Madre Range • Angono Petroglyphs • Limestone tombs of Kamhantik • Mount Makiling, ASEAN Heritage Park • Heritage Railways and Stations of Luzon • Mount Banahaw • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines • Corregidor • Kalipung-awan Rise • Pagsanjan Falls
Bicol RegionMayon Volcano • Ticao Island Cultural Landscape • Churches of Bicolandia • Mount Isarog • Whale-shark Congregation Areas in the Philippines • Heritage Railways and Stations of Luzon • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines • Kalipung-awan Rise • Philippine Trench
MimaropaSibuyan Island • Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site • Tubbataha Reef, UNESCO World Heritage Site • Apo Reef • Coron Island • Singnapan Cave Petrographs • Churches of Mimaropa • Mounts Iglit-Baco National Park, ASEAN Heritage Park • Mount Mantalingajan • Cuyo Archipelago • Tabon Caves • Romblon • Kalayaan • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines • Boac • Culion • Naujan Lake National Park, Ramsar Wetland Site
Western VisayasChurches of Madja-as • Iloilo City • Negros Sugar Central Sites • Bacolod • Central Panay Mountain Range • Heritage Railways and Stations of Negros • Heritage Railways and Stations of Panay • Boracay • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines • Historic Mango Plantations of Guimaras • Silay • Victorias • Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area, Ramsar Wetland Site
Central VisayasChurches of Sugbu • Chocolate Hills • Dumaguete • Early Philippine-Spanish Contact Sites • Anda Petrographs • Negros Sugar Central Sites • Carcar • Whale-shark Congregation Areas in the Philippines • Heritage Railways and Stations of Cebu • Heritage Railways and Stations of Negros • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines • Bantayan Island • Panglao • Argao • Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Ramsar Wetland Site
Eastern VisayasChurches of Samar-Leyte • Early Philippine-Spanish Contact Sites • Capul • Sohotan Natural Park • Langun-Gobingob Caves • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines • Leyte Gulf • Biri Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape • Biliran • Maripipi • Philippine Trench
Zamboanga PeninsulaZamboanga City • Churches of Western Mindanao • Mosques of Mindanao • Dapitan • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines • Dipolog • Pagadian
Northern MindanaoCamiguin • Churches of Western Mindanao • Mosques of Mindanao • Mount Malindang, ASEAN Heritage Park • Kitanglad Mountain Range, ASEAN Heritage Park • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines • Historic Pineapple Plantation of Bukidnon • Jimenez • Ozamiz • Jasaan • Balingasag • Iligan • Maria Cristina Falls
CaragaButuan Archaeological Sites • Churches of Western Mindanao • Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Ramsar Wetland Site • Dinagat Islands • Hinatuan Sacred River • Siargao • Tinuy-an Falls • Philippine Trench
Davao RegionMount Hamiguitan, UNESCO World Heritage Site • Churches of Eastern Mindanao • Mosques of Mindanao • Mount Apo, ASEAN Heritage Park • Samal • Pujada Bay • Philippine Trench
SoccsksargenMaitum Archaeological Site • Allah Valley Cultural Landscape • Churches of Eastern Mindanao • Mosques of Mindanao • Glan • Mount Apo, ASEAN Heritage Park • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines • Asik-asik Falls • Liguasan Marsh
BangsamoroTorogans Royal Abodes of Lanao • Mosques of Mindanao • Tugaya • Lake Lanao • Sibutu-Sitangkai • Bongao • Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary • Tombs of Sulu Royalties • Tombs of Maguindanaoan Royalties • Tombs of Maranao Royalties • Marawi • Liguasan Marsh • Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines

, the national bird.

Movable Tangible Heritage

The Philippines possesses numerous significant movable tangible heritage, both in cultural and natural terms. Many of which have been declared as national treasures and are highly protected by the law. The country has four documentary heritage inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, namely, the José Maceda Collection, Philippine Paleographs, Presidential Papers of Manuel L. Quezon, and Radio Broadcast of the Philippine People Power Revolution. Many of the cultural objects of the country are housed in government and private museums and libraries throughout the archipelago, such as the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Library of the Philippines. The country also has 5 mammal species, 4 reptiles, and 10 bird species listed by the Zoological Society of London as EDGE species since 2018. Majority of coral species and shark species listed in the Top 100 EDGE Corals list and Top 50 EDGE Shark list, respectively, can be found in the Philippines, which is the biodiversity center of the Coral Triangle. Species included in an EDGE lists are considered by the world's scientific community as species that need the greatest attention both in conservation and in research. Aside from movable heritage under Philippine possession, there are also Philippine-originated artifacts and art pieces that have been looted or bought by foreigners and are now housed by other countries. Such pieces include the Golden Tara, the two existing copies of Doctrina Cristiana, the Boxer Codex, and many others. The following are select Philippine movable tangible heritage figures, both in cultural and natural terms, currently found within the Philippines.
TypeFigures
CulturalJose Maceda Collection, UNESCO Documentary Heritage • Las Piñas Bamboo Organ • University of Santo Tomas Baybayin Documents • Philippine Paleographs, UNESCO Documentary Heritage • Laguna Copperplate Inscription • Balangay • Spoliarium • Manunggul Jar • Tabon Skull Cap • Callao Bones • Presidential Papers of Manuel L. Quezon, UNESCO Documentary Heritage • Maitum Anthropomorphic Pottery • Sultan Kudarat-Maguindanao Anthropomorphic Pottery • Oton Death Mask • Banton Cloth • Masuso Pots • Butuan Ivory Seal • Radio Broadcast of the Philippine People Power Revolution, UNESCO Documentary Heritage • Bolinao Skull • Monreal stone • Prehistoric beads in the Philippines • España y Filipinas • Prehistoric grave goods in the Philippines • La Bulaqueña • Tampuhan • Shell tools in the Philippines • San Diego • The Parisian Life • Philippine jade artifacts • Arnis • Piña • Ikat • Bakya • Balangiga bells
NaturalPhilippine Eagle, EDGE Bird • Alveopora excelsa, EDGE Coral • Sulu hornbill, EGDE Bird • Dugong, EDGE Mammal • Tamaraw • Philippine Pangolin, EDGE Mammal • Philippine Tarsier • Cloud Rat • Hawksbill turtle, EDGE Reptile • Leatherback turtle, EDGE Reptile • Sulu bleeding-heart, EDGE Bird • Alveopora minuta, EDGE Coral • Mindoro bleeding-heart, EDGE Bird • Narra • Walingwaling • Ylang-ylang • Spoon-billed sandpiper, EDGE Bird • Jade Vine • Ross' wolf snake • Moseleya latistellata, EDGE Coral • Philippine Crocodile • Cebu Small Worm Skink, EDGE Reptile • Cebu flowerpecker, EDGE Bird • Montastrea salebrosa, EDGE Coral • Northern Sierra Madre forest monitor • Dinagat gymnure, EDGE Mammal • Calamian Deer • Philippine Warty Pig • Visayan leopard cat • Negros bleeding-heart, EDGE Bird • Sardinella tawilis • Whale shark • Turbinaria mesenterina, EDGE Coral • Philippine mouse-deer • Fin whale, EDGE Mammal • Shorea astylosa • Blue whale, EDGE Mammal • Turbinaria peltata, EDGE Coral • Green turtle, EDGE Reptile • Sperm whale, EGDE Mammal • Black-hooded Coucal, EDGE Bird • Cebu brown-dove, EDGE Bird • Walden's hornbill, EDGE Bird • Stylocoeniella cocosensis, EDGE Coral • Lobophyllia serratus, EDGE Coral • Largetooth sawfish, EDGE Shark & Ray • Longcomb sawfish, EDGE Shark & Ray

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Intangible Heritage

The Philippines is widely regarded as the traditional capital of the world's festivities due to the thousands of festivals occurring in the country annually. Festivals differentiate in the national level, regional level, provincial level, municipal level, city level, and barangay level. The country, having at least 144 distinct ethno-linguistic groups, has a wide range of intangible cultural heritage, ranging from oral traditions and expressions, performing arts, social practices such as rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, to traditional craftsmanship. The country currently possesses at least three UNESCO intangible cultural heritage elements, one of which, the Hudhud Epic Chants of the Ifugao, was declared by UNESCO as one of the eleven great traditions of humanity. The other two elements inscribed by UNESCO are the Darangen Chant of the Maranao people of Lake Lanao and the Punnuk tug-of-war Game of the Ifugao. Education concerning Philippine mythology is also a notable intangible heritage of the country. The following elements are select intangible heritage of the Philippines:
DomainIntangible Heritage/Element
Oral Traditions and ExpressionsHudhud Epic Chant of the Ifugao, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Element • Darangen Epic Chant of the Maranao, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Element • Biag ni Lam-ang Epic of the Ilocano • Salsila of the Tausug • Ulalim Epic of the Kalinga • Dulimaman Epic of the Itneg • Mi’Raj of the Sama Dilaut • Hinilawod Epic of the Sulod • Agyu Epic of the Manobo • Laji of the Ivatan • Kudaman Epic of the Tagbanwa and Palaw'an • Guman Epic of the Subanon • Lumalindaw Epic of the Gaddang • Loa of the Tagalog
Performing ArtsArakyo of the Tagalog • Sagayan of the Maranao • Zarzuela – Musical Theatre of the Tagalog • Singkil Dance of the Maranao • Moro y Cristianos Street Drama of the Tagalog • Pasion of the Tagalog • Moriones Festival of the Tagalog • Kuratsa Dance of the Waray • Kambuyok/Kambuyoka Song Joust of the Maranao
Social Practices, Rituals, and Festive EventsPunnuk of the Ifugao, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Element • Ilocano Atang for the Dead • Magpandipandi of the Yakan • Hanunoo Mangyan Kinship • Kesiyahan of the T'boli • Bagongonon of the Kalinga • Pasaka of the Hanunoo Mangyan • Ba’i a Labi Coronation of the Maranao • Kapayvanuvanuwa Fishing Ritual of the Ivatan • Pupuwa Ritual of the Tagalog • Gomek Gomanan of the Bagobo • Dawdawak Ritual of the Kankanay • Prayer Rituals of the Kankanay • Adumba Rituals of the Kalinga • Isama Rites of Samal • Kalagan Rites of Passage • Yabyab Rites of the Kalinga • Ati-atihan festival of Aklan • Mo-ninum Ritual of the T'boli • Apung Iru of the Kapampangan • Kuraldal Atlung Ari of the Kapampangan • Peñafrancia Fluvial Festival of the Bicolano • Erwap of the Bontok • Maffusi Ritual of the Ibanag • Sama Mortuary Rituals • Itneg Death and Burial Rituals • Pagbuy’is Ritual of the Tagbanwa • Lekat of Maguindanao • Hamboki’an of the Ikalahan • Pag-gunting Rites of the Tausug • Uyaue Ritual of the Ifugao
Knowledge/Practices on Nature and UniverseB’laan Astrology • Hanunoo Mangyan Cosmology • Jama Mapun Constellation of Tanggong • Tagbanwa/Pala’wan Cosmology • Tala’andig Cosmology • Klata Cosmology • Manuvu Cosmology • Matigsalug Cosmology • Tau’t Batu Cosmology • Punhugutan of the Hanunoo Mangyan • Jama Mapun Constellations • B’laan Sacred Trees Knowledge and Practices • Pamitu’on/Pamateun – Astral Lore of the Matigsalug Manobo • Ifugao Deities Knowledge
Traditional CraftsmanshipPis syabit of the Tausug • Maranao Goldsmithing in Tugaya • Sinadumparan Ivatan House Types • Torogan – Royalty House of the Maranao • Salakot of the Tagalog • Yakan Musical Instruments • Bubo and Other Fish Traps of the Ilocano • Sarimanok of the Maranao • Yuvuk of Itbayat • Mountain Terraces craftsmanship of the Ifugao • Piña Loom-weaving of the Aklanon • Tepo Mat of the Sama • Tikog Mat of the Waray • Saked – Broom-making of the Kalinga • Balaka – Nito Hat of the Kankanay

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In general

As an archipelago composed of 7,641 islands, the Philippines offers a range of attractions such as the white sand beaches of Boracay and Cebu, surfing spots in Siargao, rice terraces of Ifugao, Mayon Volcano in Albay, diving sites of Palawan and Cebu, heritage houses in Vigan, and the cultural /shopping attractions of Cebu, and Metro Manila.
The island of Luzon is considered the political and economic center of the Philippines. The economy of Luzon is centered in Metro Manila, the national capital region. Manila was ranked 11th most attractive city for American shoppers out of 25 Asia Pacific cities by a Global Blue survey in 2012. Shopping malls can be found around the metropolis, especially in the business and financial districts of Makati, Ortigas and Bonifacio Global City. Despite the rise of modern shopping malls, traditional Filipino shopping centers such as flea markets and bazaars still remain around the metropolis.
The Visayas, the central island group of the Philippines, is the heart of the country's biodiversity. The most popular destinations in Visayas are Cebu and Boracay: islands popular for pure white sand beaches and has been favorite island destinations for local and foreign visitors. In 2012, Boracay received the "best island" award from the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure. Aside from its white sand beaches, Boracay is also a popular destination for relaxation, tranquility and an exciting nightlife. In 2018, 3 Philippine islands, Siargao Island, Boracay, and Palawan, were listed on Condé Nast Traveler's list of Asia's best islands. The three islands were ranked first, second, and third, respectively.
Mindanao, the southernmost island of the Philippines, is known for its mountain ranges; it is one of the best climbing destinations in the Philippines. Mindanao is home to the country's highest mountain, Mount Apo. On average, it takes two days to reach the summit. The mountain has a wide range of flora and fauna, including over 272 bird species, 111 of which are endemic to the area, including the national bird, the Philippine eagle. Mount Apo has become a popular hiking destination for mountain climbers.

Filipino cuisine

Filipino cuisine is the polymerization of 144 distinct cuisines in the Philippines, coming from separate ethno-linguistic groups. The style of cooking and the food associated with it have evolved over many centuries from their Austronesian origins to a mixed cuisine of Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences, in line with the major waves of influence that had enriched the cultures of the archipelago, as well as others adapted to indigenous ingredients and the local palate. Examples of Filipino food include kare-kare, lumpia, pancit, lechon, kaldereta, inasal, dinuguan, pinakbet, sisig, leche flan, halo-halo, pandesal, champorado, kinilaw, tocino, ensaymada, pitsi-pitsi, sapin-sapin, adobo, puto, chicharrón, bibingka, hopia, ube, gulaman, pinangat, satti, rendang, tinola, sambal, mami, lugaw, dinengdeng, atchara, nata de coco, kutsinta, suman, isaw, polvoron, pinikpikan, and balut. Adobo and ube are the most internationally known.

Tourism activities

Beach and diving tourism

Beach tourism is currently the major tourist draw of the Philippines. Various beaches in the Philippines have landed in multiple magazines, ranking them anywhere between 1st place to 8th place. Among the most popular beach and diving choices in the country includes Boracay, El Nido, Coron, Cebu, and Siargao. Other common beach places are in Samal, Cagayan, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Batangas, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Camarines Sur and Zamboanga. In 2018, Canadian-based travel agency Flight Network listed Hidden Beach in Palawan as the best beach in all of Asia. The beach was also cited by Travel+Leisure as among the 13 places to see the bluest water in the world. Other beaches ranked from the Philippines were Guyam White Sand Beach in Siargao, Palaui Beach in Cagayan Valley, Caramoan Island Beach in Camarines Sur, Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental, Gumasa Beach in Sarangani, Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol, Kalanggaman Island in Cebu, and Paliton Beach in Siquijor.

Hiking tourism

Hiking is a rising form of tourism in the Philippines, especially among locals and Western foreigners. Among the most famous hiking areas in the country are Mount Apo, Mount Pinatubo, Mount Halcon, Mount Banahaw, Mount Makiling, and Mount Pulag.
calligraphy. Online magazine, Culture Trip, cited Mount Batulao in Batangas, Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, Tarak Ridge in Bataan, Mount Daraitan and Maynoba in Rizal, Kibungan Circuit in Benguet, and Mount Pulag in Nueva Vizcaya for having the most spectacular hiking trails in the country in 2017.

Research and education tourism

Due to the diverse number of flora and fauna of the country, researchers from around the world have flocked various biodiversity sites in Philippine environmental corridors. Among the big draws for environmental researchers include Mount Mantalingajan, Sibuyan Island, Dinagat Islands, Mount Hamiguitan, Central Panay Mountain Range, Verde Island Passage, Tubbataha Reef, Mount Malindang, Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, and Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi. Local and foreign archaeologists and anthropologists have also flocked the country's archaeological sites, such as Cagayan Valley, Butuan, Tabon Cave, Callao Cave, Banton, Ifugao, Cebu, Lanao del Sur, and many others. Various universities in the country, such as University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, Silliman University, University of San Carlos, and University of Mindanao, have also been influential in research tourism, especially for graduate students and students seeking better review centers. Common nationals that seek graduate degrees or reviewer sessions in the Philippines usually come from India, South Korea, and Palau. Language schools with English language programs are also popular among Asian foreigners from South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Taiwan, and Japan. Government-approved institutions that teach Philippine mythology and suyat scripts, such as baybayin, have also become popular among locals and foreigners.

Arts and crafts tourism

Arts and crafts tourism in the Philippines has recently expanded following several attempts to establish a cultural renaissance. The numbers of art museums, galleries, exhibitions, festivals, and town fairs throughout the country has doubled in the past 10 years. The country was conferred its first UNESCO Creative City through Baguio in 2016. Other arts and crafts centers are in Manila, Quezon City, San Fernando City, Iloilo City, Angono, Santiago City, Cebu City, Basey, Davao City, Lake Sebu, Angeles, Vigan, Basco, Zamboanga City, Marawi, Tugaya, Cotabato City, Sariaya, Tagbilaran, and Dumaguete.
, the largest church in Asia.

Pilgrimage tourism

The Philippines is the Catholic pilgrimage capital of Asia, possessing hundreds of olden churches, most of which were established between the 15th to 19th centuries through the earthquake baroque architecture. Historic mosques, temples, and indigenous places of worship such as dambanas are also present throughout the country. Among the most popular pilgrimage sites in the Philippines are Paoay Church, Manila Cathedral, Maragondon Church, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Baclayon Church, Panay Church, Loboc Church, Daraga Church, Boljoon Church, Guiuan Church, Calasiao Church, Manaoag Church, Tumauini Church, Naga Cathedral, San Sebastian Church of Bacolod, Betis Church, Quiapo Church, Taal Basilica, Miagao Church, Caraga Church, Paete Church, Lucban Church, San Sebastian Church of Manila, Jimenez Church, Barasoain Church, Seng Guan Temple, Sheik Karimol Makhdum Mosque, Taluksangay Mosque, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, Masjid Dimaukom, Mount Banahaw, Kabayan Mummy Burial Caves, Limestone tombs of Kamhantik, Bud Bongao, Mount Apo, Mount Bulusan, Mount Pulag, Callao Cave, Mount Kalatungan, Mount Matutum, Mount Makiling, Kanlaon, Mount Arayat, Mayon Volcano, Mount Pinatubo, and Mount Kitanglad.
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Fiesta tourism

Various festivals in the country are flocked annually by both locals and foreigners. The country has been known as the traditional capital of the world's festivities and the capital of fun due to the thousands of festivals which happen in the country, most of which are annual spectacles. Among the most famous of these events are the Sinulog Festival of Cebu, the Kadayawan Festival of Davao, the Ati-Atihan Festival of Aklan, the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo, the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, the Moriones Festival of Marinduque, the Pahiyas Festival of Quezon province, the Obando Fertility Rites Festival of Bulacan, the Pintados Festival of Leyte, the Sandugo Festival of Bohol, the Ibalong Festival of Bicol, the MassKara Festival of Bacolod, and the Giant Lantern Festival of Pampanga. Each of the festivals, or locally known as fiesta, have different traditions at play. The festivals may be Anitist, Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic, Muslim, or a mixture of religions in origin. Some festivals, however, are not interlaced with any form of religion.
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Wellness tourism

has recently doubled its contribution to Philippine tourism due to the rise of hilot practices in spas, bath houses, and hotels. Surges in patriotism for whole-body firewood pot bathing and indigenous herbal usage have also helped the industry to prosper in the village-level. Staycation, or staying in hotels for relaxation purposes, has also become a trend, along with the increase of yoga, as rooted to the Indian roots of many indigenous Filipino cultures. Hilot havens include Camiguin, Siquijor, and Antique, while staycation destinations include the hotels of Manila, Bataan, Batanes, Tagaytay, Baguio, and Bukidnon.

Heritage towns and cities

The Philippines is home to numerous heritage towns and cities, many of which have been intentionally destroyed by the Japanese through fire tactics in World War II and the Americans through bombings during the same war. After the war, the government of the Empire of Japan withheld from giving funds to the Philippines for the restoration of the heritage towns they destroyed, effectively destroying any chances of restoration since the pre-war Philippines' economy was devastated and had limited monetary supply. On the other hand, the United States gave minimal funding for only two of the hundreds of cities they destroyed, namely, Manila and Baguio. Today, only the centres of Filipino heritage towns and cities remain in most of the expansive heritage cities and towns in the country. Yet, some heritage cities in their former glory prior to the war still exist, such as the UNESCO city of Vigan which was the only heritage town saved from American bombing and Japanese fire and kamikaze tactics. The country currently lacks a city/town-singular architectural style law. Due to this, unaesthetic cement or shanty structures have taken over heritage buildings annually, destroying many former heritage townscapes. Some heritage buildings have been demolished or sold to corporations, and have been replaced by commercial structures such as shopping centers, condominium units, or newly-furnished modern-style buildings, completely destroying the old aesthetics of many former heritage towns and cities. This is one of the reasons why UNESCO has repeatedly withheld from inscribing further Filipino heritage towns in the World Heritage List since 1999. Only the heritage city of Vigan has a town law that guarantees its singular architecture shall always be used in constructions and reconstructions. While Silay, Iloilo City, and San Fernando de Pampanga have ordinances giving certain tax exemptions to owners of heritage houses. In 2010, the Philippine Cultural Heritage Act passed into law, effectively giving protection to all cultural heritage properties of the Philippines. However, despite its passage, many ancestral home owners continue to approve the demolition of ancestral structures. In certain cases, government entities themselves were the purveyors of such demolitions. Because of the minimal reach of the current governmental culture agency and the lack of awareness on the importance of Filipino sites, a bill establishing a Department of Culture was formally filed in 2016. The bill is expected to pass into law by late 2018 or early 2019 as it was declared a priority legislation by both houses of Congress. If the bill reaches its deadline, a secretary of culture will be appointed by June–July 2019.
In Luzon, other notable heritage towns and cities include the UNESCO City of Manila, Taal, UNESCO Town of Banaue, UNESCO Town of Mayoyao, UNESOC Town of Hungduan, UNESCO Town of Kiangan, Laoag, Sarrat, Pila, UNESCO City of Baguio, San Fernando, Bacolor, Guagua, Santa Rita, Malolos, Angeles, Sabtang, Mahatao, Uyugan, Sariaya, San Pablo, Alaminos de Laguna, Tayabas, Lucban, Lucena, Balayan, Calaca, Kawit, UNESCO Town of Paoay, Batac, Roxas, Panay, Daraga, Legazpi, Camalig, Antipolo, Angono, Tanay, Morong de Rizal, Baras, Majayjay, Nagcarlan, Liliw, Magdalena, Pagsanjan, Paete, Pakil, Quezon City, Naga, Maragondon, Lingayen, Alaminos, San Miguel, Bustos, Plaridel, Angat, Baliuag, Los Baños, Calamba, Corregidor, San Juan de Batangas, Cabuyao, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Tuguegarao, Malabon, Sagada, Baler, San Juan de Manila, Daet, Tabaco, Batangas City, San Nicolas, UNESCO Town of Santa Maria, and Santa Cruz.
In the Visayas, notable heritage towns and cities include Iloilo City, UNESCO Town of Miagao, Cebu City, Silay, Carcar, Argao, Dalaguete, Oslob, UNESCO City of Puerto Princesa, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Bacong, Romblon, Boac, Baclayon, Tagbilaran, Dauis, Panglao, Victorias, Capul, Cuyo, Taytay, Culion, Lazi, and Bantayan.
In Mindanao, notable heritage towns and cities include Dapitan, Lake Sebu, Zamboanga City, Jimenez, Ozamiz, Oroquieta, Cagayan de Oro, Jasaan, Balingasag, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Iligan, Marawi, Jolo, Davao City, UNESCO Town of Tugaya, UNESCO Town of Mati, and Glan.

Visa policy

The visa policy of the Philippines is governed by Commonwealth Act No. 613, also known as the Philippine Immigration Act, and by subsequent legislation amending it. The Act is jointly enforced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration.
Generally, foreign nationals who wish to enter the Philippines require a visa unless:
Most foreign nationals are visa-free for 14 days, 30 days, or 59 days. Of more than 200 countries and territories, 39 need visas to enter the Philippines.
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Immigration and customs

Guidelines on the entry of temporary visitors to the Philippines

Nationals from countries who are travelling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines obtaining visa on arrival for a stay not exceeding 30 days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination. However, immigration officers at ports of entry may exercise their discretion to admit holders of passports valid for at least sixty days beyond the intended period of stay.

Customs

Upon arriving, visitors are allowed to bring in duty-free personal belongings, two cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco and up to one liter of alcohol. Exceeding this is illegal. Balikbayans have separate rules and should check with the embassy or consulate in their home city.

Currency

The main currency in the Philippines is the peso and its subunit is the centavo. 100 centavos is equal to 1 peso. Coins in circulation are: 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, P5 and P10. Banknotes in circulation are: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 pesos.
Foreign currency may be exchanged at the hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced.
Most large stores, restaurants, hotels and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express, Visa and MasterCard. Traveller's checks preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted.

Currency regulations

It is illegal for any incoming or outgoing passenger to bring in or out Philippine pesos in excess of P10,000.00 without prior authority from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Any violation of this rule may lead to its seizure and civil penalties and / or criminal prosecution.
The transportation of foreign currency or monetary instruments is legal. However, the carrying of foreign currency in excess of US$10,000.00 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies must be declared to a Customs Officer or the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Violation of this rule may lead to seizure and sanctions, fines and / or penalties.

Transportation

Air transportation

Currently, there are eleven airports classified by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines as International Airports. There are also hundreds of principal domestic airports and community airports throughout the country. Aside from the eleven international airports, there are also two international airports that are currently being constructed in Albay and Bohol. The eleven international airports include:
The country traditionally used sea vehicles since pre-colonial times. The archipelagic country has four areas of ports concentration, as administered by the Philippine Ports Authority. These areas are the West Philippine Sea ports area, Philippine Sea ports area, Celebes Sea ports area, and Inland Seas ports area. Each area has hundreds of ports serving local and international ships and other sea vehicles.

Land transportation

Land transportation in the Philippines is administered through various means such as trains, jeepneys, tricycles, taxis, buses, and many others. Various Philippine expressway network have been established throughout the country to hasten land transportation. Construction of more expressway networks and train railways are currently being made by the government, especially for Mindanao. Rail transport in the Philippines is mostly administered by the Philippine National Railways, while the Philippine expressway network and the Philippine highway network are mostly administered by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

International Tourism Offices

Every town and city in the Philippines has at least one tourism office. The country has also established numerous tourism offices in various foreign countries. The international tourism offices include:
Aside from the international tourism offices, embassies and consulates of the Philippines throughout the world also serve as de facto international tourism offices.

Threats

may pose the greatest threat to tourists' safety in the Philippines, notably in the southern regions bordering Malaysia. While most parts of the Philippines archipelago are relatively safe to visit, certain areas where terrorist cells have been at large are best avoided. The far-southern region is widely known as a no-go zone for foreign visitors. Areas surrounding Marawi and other parts of the island are considered unsafe. This is because rebel groups like the Maute Group and Moro Islamic Liberation Front are active in these areas and have been held responsible for a number of violent incidents. However, since not all parts of Mindanao have terrorist cells and rebel areas, Mindanao is still a relatively safe place to visit and as long as one is aware of their surroundings and one has knowledge of the places to visit and have knowledge that these places should be avoided, then one can enjoy travel as much as other tourist destinations.
Certain militant Islamist groups such as Abu Sayyaf and Jema'ah Islamiyah are particularly dangerous, since they are responsible for the majority of recent attacks, which have included bombings, piracies, kidnappings and killings of foreign nationals if their government failed to pay the demanded ransom. The New People's Army of the Communist Party of the Philippines has from time to time been listed as a rebel or terrorist group by the Philippines and the United States.
Other threats are mostly focused on heritage destruction. There include cultural heritage destruction such as the demolitions of many heritage structures annually with little opposition from the government, government infrastructure projects that destroy or damage heritage structures and archaeological sites, looting of heritage sites, illegal treasure hunting activities by foreigners and locals, limited funding for heritage restoration, a shift in mall culture, expansive establishment of structures in heritage zones, irresponsible and destructive heritage restoration activities from government and private entities, and urbanization of younger generations away from indigenous traditions, causing various rituals and practices to fade away due to the absence of a future bearer. Natural heritage destruction is also a huge problem due to mining, severe population growth, urbanization, introduction of invasive species, deforestation, irresponsibly establishing structures in forests, irresponsibly enlarging structures and roads that lead to the chopping and destruction of centuries-old trees at road sides, illegal fishing, illegal hunting, illegal wildlife trade, water pollution, air pollution, establishment of coal power plants, climate change, irresponsible tourists, and a lack of initiative in proper waste disposal among poor brackets in society.