Stronger border security supports tourism growth, says Immigration Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has attributed the continued rise in foreign tourist arrivals to strengthened border security measures, saying that effective immigration controls help build confidence among international travelers and support the country’s tourism industry.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said recent arrival figures indicate steady growth in foreign visitor traffic during the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, even as the country entered what is traditionally considered a lean travel season.

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

According to data cited by the BI, international arrivals increased from approximately 1.337 million in April 2025 to 1.358 million in April 2026. Visitor arrivals in May also rose from about 1.299 million to 1.309 million during the same period.

Sandoval described the figures as encouraging, noting that growth has continued despite seasonal factors that typically slow travel demand, including the end of extended holiday periods, the reopening of schools, and the onset of the rainy season.

She said the Philippines generally experiences moderate tourism growth during the third quarter before visitor numbers surge again in the final months of the year, a pattern that aligns with year-end holidays and peak travel periods.

South Korea remains the Philippines’ largest source of foreign visitors in 2026, followed by the United States, Canada, Japan, and China, according to BI data. Sandoval noted that these countries have consistently ranked among the country’s top tourism markets for several years.

While traditional markets continue to drive arrivals, she said the Department of Tourism (DOT) is actively expanding its promotional efforts to attract visitors from emerging markets beyond the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

“The Department of Tourism is also tapping into other tourism markets because many people around the world are interested in the beauty of the Philippines,” Sandoval said.

The BI and the DOT are coordinating closely by sharing arrival statistics and travel data to help government agencies develop more targeted tourism promotion strategies and identify growth opportunities in key international markets.

Sandoval rejected the notion that strict border controls discourage tourism, saying the BI’s mandate to “Protect the Philippines” complements the government’s “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign.

She said maintaining secure borders helps reassure travelers that the country is a safe destination and that authorities have the capability to effectively monitor the movement of passengers entering and leaving the Philippines.

Industry experts have long identified safety and security as important factors influencing travel decisions. The Philippines has sought to strengthen its reputation as a secure and welcoming destination while increasing international visitor arrivals and tourism revenues.

Tourism remains one of the country’s major economic drivers. According to the DOT, the sector contributes significantly to employment, local business activity, and foreign exchange earnings, making visitor confidence an important component of national economic growth.

As part of its modernization efforts, the BI is pursuing a ₱10.74-billion Public-Private Partnership project aimed at upgrading border control systems across 11 major airports, one international seaport, and six border stations nationwide.

The proposed Civil Aviation and Immigration Security Services (CAISS) project will introduce a range of advanced technologies designed to improve security and streamline passenger processing. Planned upgrades include contactless immigration corridors, biometric facial recognition systems, self-service immigration kiosks, and enhanced passenger pre-screening capabilities.

The project is designed to comply with standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations specialized agency responsible for developing global aviation safety, security, and border management standards.

Immigration officials said the modernization initiative seeks to improve operational efficiency while enhancing national security and facilitating legitimate travel.

Sandoval said the bureau remains committed to continuously improving its systems and procedures in line with the administration’s broader governance and digital transformation goals.

“We are continuously making efforts to find ways to improve our processes and systems so that the new immigration we envision can be fully aligned with the new Philippines that our President seeks to build,” she said.