Asean neighbors recording large positive recoveries in tourism from China, but not the Philippines.

AFTER Duterte improved relations with China and the peace and order in the Philippines, China quickly became the fastest-growing source of tourism for the Philippines, becoming the second top source market for tourists in the Philippines, tripling to over 1.5 million arrivals in 2019 (pre-pandemic) from the previous administration. At a conservative estimate of $1,500 spending per tourist, that generates around $2.6 billion, or P150 billion, directly benefiting local resort owners, restaurants, tour guides, mom-and-pop shops, etc.