Despite the enforced closure of famed island hotspot Boracay, the Philippines still posted a 10% increase in tourist arrivals for the first five months of 2018.
The country saw a 10.24% year-on-year increase in foreign visitors to 3.18 million from January to May.
However the month of May was only slightly up by less than 1% which was the first full month since Boracay closed down for its six-month rehabilitation programme.
South Korea continued to be the Philippines’ top source market with 705,548 arrivals, followed by China with 559,289.
The US came in at number three with 463,273.
The biggest growth rate was again China which swelled by 43.81% compared to the previous year.
Last summer the Philippines introduced visa on arrival for accredited Chinese tour groups and department of tourism spokesperson Bong Bengzon said the government is considering streamlining the visa on arrival process for Chinese travellers.
"The Boracay experience is an ultimate lesson in balancing development and protecting the environment. Lessons learned are not for Boracay alone but also for the other island destinations around the county," Bengzon said.
President Duterte ordered Boracay to close down in late April due to widespread environmental issues and it is currently on track to reopen in late October as planned.
