Philippines on track to lead Southeast Asian tourist arrivals in Taiwan for 2024

Taipei, Feb. 6 (CNA) For the first time, the Philippines is on track to become the top Southeast Asian source of tourists to Taiwan in 2024, with 415,635 visitors recorded from January to November, according to the Tourism Administration.

Data showed that the figure exceeded the 384,000 Malaysians and 376,000 Singaporeans in the same period.

Thailand was fourth with 356,000 visitors, and Vietnam was fifth with 344,000.

While data for the whole year is not yet available, the government agency said that December is peak travel season for Filipino travelers, indicating that the country is likely to top the list of visitors from Southeast Asian visitors to Taiwan in 2024.

Regarding global visitors, the country ranked at number five, trailing behind Japan, Hong Kong and Macau, South Korea and the United States, according to a Thursday news release.

Meanwhile, the administration said in the release that Taiwan will participate in the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) TravelTour Expo 2025 slated for Feb. 7-9 in Pasay City.

A "Taiwan Pavilion" featuring Filipino star Gabbi Garcia and model Khalil Ramos highlighting the charm of Taiwan will be set up in a bid to attract visitors, the release said.

The administration will also team up with a total of 21 organizations including travel industry associations, travel agencies, hotels and theme parks at the expo, it said.

On Feb. 10-11, the administration will also hold promotional events at Manila and Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone to promote Taiwan travel to Filipino travel agencies, airlines and media, it said.