Taiwanese Travelers Skip Japan, Thailand, and South Korea — Now Flocking to This One Country for Affordability, High Value, and Breathtaking Scenery: 'Wish We Stayed Longer'

Global international tourism remains strong, with Southeast Asian island destinations gaining popularity. The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) released new statistics showing that from January to August of this year, the country welcomed 4.11 million international tourists, a 3.7% increase compared to the same period last year. In terms of major source markets, the United States and South Korea ranked first and second, while Taiwanese tourists demonstrated steady travel momentum, with 154,957 visitors in the first eight months, securing seventh place among the Philippines’ top 10 source countries.

Which Countries’ Tourists Visit the Philippines Most? Where Does Taiwan Rank and How Has It Grown?

According to data released by the DOT, among inbound tourists in the first eight months of this year, the U.S. market led with 818,318 visitors, followed by South Korea with 727,379, and Japan in third with 350,191. The remaining top 10 source countries were China (310,088), Australia (234,156), Canada (231,972), Taiwan (154,957), the United Kingdom (132,370), Singapore (126,812), and India (77,883).

Looking at Taiwan’s performance specifically, visitor numbers rose from 141,346 in the first eight months of last year to 154,957 this year, a 9.63% year-on-year increase. Industry analysts attribute this stable growth to the Philippine government’s extension of the 14-day visa-free policy for Taiwanese travelers, which has lowered travel planning barriers and reduced documentation costs, making it easier for Taiwanese citizens to choose island getaways.

Online reviews reflect positive experiences: 'Cebu is super fun and highly recommended! Especially Bohol—I regret not staying longer.' 'Cebu is amazing and offers incredible value. During last year’s National Day holiday, we spent six days and five nights, and our total spending was only 35,000 pesos. There’s so much to see that you can’t experience in Taiwan—highly recommend!' 'Manila isn’t as dangerous as people say, as long as you avoid high-crime areas at night. I mostly stayed in Makati and BGC, both of which have heavy security presence and modern urban development, offering plenty of entertainment and shopping malls—very comfortable to explore.' 'Daily life in the Philippines is now very convenient, with numerous five-star hotels and expanding shopping malls. We stayed in Cebu, the country’s second-largest city, which is more stable and better suited for tourism compared to Manila.'

Which Country Saw the Most Surprising Growth? How Are Major Markets Shifting?

When comparing year-on-year changes across major markets, China showed the most dramatic growth, with a 69.15% increase in tourist arrivals—the highest among all source countries. India followed closely with strong momentum, growing 32.20%. In contrast, South Korea, once a major source market, saw a decline of 17.42%, marking the most significant drop among the top 10 markets.

Looking back at overall tourism revenue, the Philippines welcomed 6.44 million international tourists and returning Filipino overseas workers in 2025, generating tourism foreign exchange earnings of 694 billion pesos—approximately 352.6 billion New Taiwan dollars. The Philippine tourism authority aims to leverage this recovery momentum to surpass 7 million international visitors this year.