Malacañang on Monday expressed optimism that the Philippines’ tourism revenue will continue to rise in the coming months, following an impressive performance in January.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reported that the country’s tourism revenues exceeded pre-pandemic levels, starting the year with earnings of USD1.1 billion or PHP65.3 billion.

Castro said that with the implementation of improved immigration processes, the government anticipates continued positive growth in the tourism sector.

“Inaasahang patuloy ang pagtaas ng ating revenue sa mga susunod na buwan lalo na sa pagpapatupad ng mas maayos na mga proseso patungkol sa immigration (We are expecting revenues to increase in the coming months especially when we implement improved immigration processes),” she said.

The Palace official added that the increase in tourism revenues is a reflection of the country’s stable peace and order situation.

“Ibigsabihin po, hindi natatakot ang mga turista na pumunta sa ating bansa (This means foreign tourists are not afraid to visit our country),” she said.

According to the Department of Tourism, the Philippines welcomed over 1.1 million visitors in January and February this year. (PNA)