BUSINESS

Philippines climbs to 57th in global tourism index

Mico Virata · Oct 2, 2026, 1:52 AM

DAILY TRIBUNE images TOURISM Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay says the Philippines' improvement in the World Economic Forum's 2026 Travel and Tourism Development Index reflects the government's efforts to bolster the local tourism sector. — DAILY TRIBUNE image

The Philippines climbed eight places to 57th among 110 economies in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 2026 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI), making it the seventh-fastest improving tourism economy globally this year.

The country’s gains were driven by improvements in sustainability, transport connectivity and policy conditions, highlighting progress in the infrastructure and policies supporting the tourism sector.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the latest ranking reflects efforts across airports, seaports, local markets and cultural destinations.

“This is proof that the work we have been putting into our tourism sector, from our airports and seaports to our local markets and cultural destinations, is being felt and recognized internationally. But we acknowledge we have a long way to go, and we are working hard to ensure that every Filipino community that welcomes tourists reaps the benefits through better jobs, better livelihoods, and a better quality of life,” Angara-Mathay said.

Sustainability recorded the Philippines’ biggest improvement, with its ranking rising from 64th to 29th. The increase was supported by stronger scores in nature protection and wastewater treatment. The country also ranked second globally in the Travel and Tourism Demand Sustainability pillar, helped by a significant improvement in geographically dispersed tourism.

Transport connectivity also posted a major gain, with the Philippines moving from 80th to 49th. The improvement was supported by higher ratings for seaports, public transport and train efficiency, amid coordination among tourism and infrastructure agencies.

Safety and security improved from 93rd to 73rd, while policy and enabling conditions rose to 12th place from 33rd in 2019. Government tourism spending also increased from 3.1 percent to 5.8 percent of the national budget.

Culture and heritage recorded the largest score increase among the country’s 17 pillars, rising 43 percent since 2019 and moving the Philippines to 38th place.