In 2010, more than 3.45 million foreign travelers visited the Philippines, an increase of nearly 19.5% compared to the 2.887 million recorded in the same period the previous year.
Preliminary data from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration shows that foreign visitor arrivals peaked in the final quarter, with 188,028 in September, 204,779 in October, 218,482 in November, and 265,651 in December.
Acting Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Ronaldo Ledesma stated that this indicates the international community maintains confidence in the Philippines and the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, despite perceptions of terrorist threats in the southern part of the country.
He noted that the number of foreign visitor arrivals last year exceeded the target of 3.3 million, with 80% entering through Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, and the remainder through Mactan-Cebu, Clark, and Davao international airports.
He added that these foreign travelers include tourists, investors, former Filipino citizens who have acquired foreign nationality, and students. The preliminary data from the Bureau of Immigration did not provide a breakdown of these travelers by nationality.
