Post-pandemic travel has returned with a vengeance, with tourist numbers breaking records in many territories. Yet, one country in Southeast Asia lags its neighbours - The Philippines. In 2024, 5.9 million tourists visited the Philippines, well below pre-pandemic levels of 8.3 million. In the first quarter of this year, foreign arrival numbers are 27% below pre-COVID figures for the same period. Despite being blessed with natural beauty and a welcoming culture, why does the Philippines underperform when it comes to tourism? It is a question that Filipinos are asking themselves, as a viral social media thread earlier this year sparked a debate on why the country ranks so low on travellers' wish-lists. How much does this unfulfilled potential cost the Philippines, and what is the country doing to entice visitors to come? With the recent deterioration of relations with China leading to a shrinking number of Chinese travellers, what other markets will the Philippines pursue? WATCH MORE Insight: 00:00 Fall in tourists to the Philippines 04:25 Slow pandemic tourism rebound: why? 10:22 The problem with Manila airport 14:38 Traffic congestion deter tourists 20:09 Visiting all 82 provinces 22:06 Upgrading of transport infrastructure 26:40 Sustainable tourism in the Philippines 31:45 Losing Chinese tourists 37:14 Does the Philippines have an image problem? 42:47 How the Philippines can attract tourists ========= ABOUT THE SHOW: Insight investigates and analyses topical issues that impact Asia and the rest of the world. ================== #CNAInsider #CNAInsight #Philippines #PhilippinesTourism #PhilippinesTravel For more, SUBSCRIBE to CNA INSIDER! Follow CNA INSIDER on: Telegram: Instagram: Facebook: Website: