Philippine tourism bleeding due to COVID-19

The Philippine tourism industry is suffering due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

Tourist arrivals dropped by 41% in February according to data from the Bureau of Immigration.

Hotel and resort occupancy has also decreased, with Boracay seeing a 40% drop, Cebu at 27%, and Bohol experiencing a 40% decline.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat stated that airlines have started offering discounted flights while DOT-accredited hotels and resorts are providing up to 70% off their published rates to prevent further deterioration of the industry.

TCP president Jose Clemente III emphasized that domestic tourism cannot offset losses from declining international tourist arrivals, as global travel bans continue.