STRONGER BORDER SECURITY DRIVES TOURISM GROWTH AS FOREIGN ARRIVALS RISE IN 2026

**** by: Edjun Mariposque

****

June 10, 2026

5–7 minutes

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has underscored the importance of maintaining strong border security as the Philippines continues to record an increase in foreign tourist arrivals during the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year.

According to BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval, effective border protection plays a significant role in supporting the country’s tourism industry.

“The stronger our border security is, the greater it helps the country’s tourism,” Sandoval said in a recent interview.

She described the latest arrival figures as encouraging, noting that the upward trend in foreign visitor arrivals has continued throughout the second quarter, including during June, which is traditionally considered a slower tourism month. South Koreans and Americans remain the leading sources of international visitors to the country.

Sandoval said arrival data for April and May showed steady growth compared to the previous year. She noted that foreign arrivals in April increased from 1.337 million in 2025 to 1.358 million in 2026, while May figures also rose from 1.299 million to 1.309 million during the same period.

Despite June being regarded as a lean season due to the conclusion of long holiday periods, the reopening of schools, and the onset of the rainy season, visitor arrivals have continued to climb.

She explained that this pattern is consistent with previous years, wherein growth typically levels off during the third quarter before accelerating again in the final quarter of the year.

Sandoval said tourism arrivals traditionally surge once the fourth quarter begins, adding that current data indicates a positive and sustained upward trend.

When asked about the countries contributing the highest number of visitors, Sandoval said the leading source markets have remained largely unchanged over the years.

Based on available data, South Korea continues to rank as the top source of foreign visitors in 2026, followed by the United States, Canada, Japan, and China.

She pointed out that these nationalities consistently dominate visitor arrivals year after year, although the Department of Tourism (DOT) continues to expand its efforts to attract travelers from emerging markets.

“The Department of Tourism is also tapping into other tourism markets, even those outside the ASEAN region,” Sandoval said, noting that many people around the world remain interested in experiencing the beauty of the Philippines.

She added that the BI works closely with the DOT by sharing arrival statistics and other relevant information to help develop targeted strategies aimed at attracting more international tourists to the country.

Security and Tourism Can Work Together

Sandoval also addressed how the BI balances its mandate to “Protect the Philippines” with the government’s tourism promotion campaign, “Love the Philippines.”

She emphasized that safeguarding the country’s borders and encouraging tourism are complementary goals rather than conflicting objectives.

According to Sandoval, protecting the country from external threats does not prevent the government from welcoming visitors. Instead, both efforts can move forward together and support one another.

She further noted that security itself serves as an advantage when promoting the country as a travel destination.

Sandoval said tourists value knowing that the Philippines is safe, that its borders are properly secured, and that modern technologies are in place to monitor the movement of travelers entering and leaving the country.

BI Pursues Modernization Through High-Tech Border Systems

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration is moving forward with a ₱10.74-billion Public-Private Partnership project designed to modernize border control operations across 11 major airports, one international seaport, and six border stations nationwide.

The Civil Aviation and Immigration Security Services (CAISS) project includes a range of advanced technologies such as contactless passenger corridors, biometric facial recognition systems, immigration kiosks, and enhanced passenger pre-screening capabilities.

The project complies with biometric and border security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations specialized agency headquartered in Montreal, Canada, that sets global standards and practices for international civil aviation.

Sandoval said the BI remains committed to continuously improving its services, systems, and operational processes.

She added that the agency is steadily pursuing reforms and innovations aimed at enhancing immigration services and ensuring that its vision for a modern immigration system aligns with the broader direction of the “new Philippines” envisioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

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