Increase in international arrivals a sign of stronger tourism- BI

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the rise in international arrivals in the first half of 2025 reflects the continued strengthening of Philippine tourism, in line with the wins of the national government that are set to be highlighted in President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address today.

Viado shared that the BI recorded an almost 8% increase in total arrivals from January to June 2025, compared to the same period last year.

The BI processed a total of 7,840,728 arrivals during the first half of the year, up from 7,268,465 in 2024.

Topping the list of arrivals are travelers from the United States (753,544), followed by South Korea (745,623), Japan (256,776), China (229,915), and Australia (188,082).

“This steady growth is proof that the Philippines remains a top destination in the region,” said Viado. “It follows the many wins of the national government, which the President is set to share with the nation today. As gateways to the country, we in the Bureau of Immigration are proud to do our part in supporting this momentum—through efficient and secure immigration processing for all travelers,” he added.

Viado added that the bureau continues to implement more improvements together with other government agencies to make the country more attractive for international visitors