The United States has moved ahead of South Korea as the Philippines’ largest source of international visitors during the first five months of 2026, marking a notable shift in the country’s tourism landscape after years of Korean dominance.
Data released by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and cited by Philstar showed that the Philippines recorded 531,859 visitors from the United States between January and May. South Korea followed closely with 501,789 arrivals during the same period. The figures gave the United States a 19.40 percent share of total inbound tourism arrivals, while South Korea accounted for 18.31 percent.
For several years, South Korea consistently generated the highest number of visitors to the Philippines. The latest figures, however, reflect a continuing decline in Korean arrivals. From January to May 2025, South Korea registered 554,855 visitors, meaning arrivals from that market fell by 9.56 percent in 2026.
By comparison, arrivals from the United States increased from 496,742 during the same period last year, representing growth of 7.07 percent.
Decline in Korean Arrivals Continues
Tourism data indicates that South Korean visitor numbers have steadily weakened following security concerns raised by Korean authorities.
In 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Manila warned its citizens about crime-related risks in the Philippines after several incidents involving Korean nationals, including robberies, kidnappings, and homicides. The embassy advised Koreans to limit unnecessary movements, particularly during late-night hours, and to remain vigilant.
The impact of those concerns has been reflected in tourism statistics. South Korean arrivals decreased from 149,964 in January 2026 to 131,535 in February. The numbers continued to fall to 91,525 in March, 67,803 in April, and 60,962 in May.
While arrivals from the United States exceeded Korean figures for three consecutive months, 2026 marks the first time the US has held the top position when totals for the entire year-to-date period are combined.
South Korea remained the Philippines’ leading tourism source market throughout 2025 despite an 18.5 percent decline in arrivals, ending the year with 1,346,301 visitors.
China Rebounds as Visitor Numbers Rise
The latest tourism report also highlighted renewed growth from mainland China. Visitor arrivals from China climbed 62.8 percent year-on-year to 187,478, allowing the market to regain fourth place among the Philippines’ top tourism sources.
According to a recent note from Maybank Securities, the increase suggests that government measures designed to encourage travel are beginning to show results. The firm pointed to initiatives including visa-free entry arrangements and the expansion of e-visa programs as factors supporting the recovery.
Despite the recent improvement, China’s tourism numbers had previously been affected by concerns over personal safety as well as maritime tensions between the Philippines and China.
The DOT also noted that its reporting methodology changed in March. Tourism arrivals are now classified according to residency rather than the citizenship-based system used previously.
Beyond the United States and South Korea, Japan ranked third among source markets, contributing 8.26 percent of arrivals. China followed with 6.84 percent, while Canada accounted for 6.06 percent.
Overall Tourism Growth Remains Positive
The Philippines continued to attract more international visitors overall during the first five months of the year. Total arrivals reached 2,741,117 from January through May, reflecting a 7.51 percent increase compared with the same period in 2025.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the government intends to strengthen tourism-related investments and partnerships with American companies and industry stakeholders in an effort to maintain demand from the US market.
The latest figures underscore changing travel patterns among the Philippines’ major source markets. Growth from the United States, combined with the decline in South Korean arrivals and the recovery of visitors from China, has reshaped the rankings of the country’s leading tourism markets during the opening months of 2026.