According to the Philippines Department of Tourism, the country showed a strong start for the tourism sector this 2008. Tourist arrivals in the country for May 2008 reached 260,567 versus the 243,951 in 2007. The total volume of visitors from January to May 2008 is 1,372,680. This 7.4 percent better than last year's volume of 1,278,280.The United States provided the biggest share at 20.3% which translate to 52,864 arrivals. Koreans accounted for 19% or 49,467 arrivals. Japan is in the third position and comprised 11% of the total arrival with 28,614. China is in the top five with 13,994 or 5.4% arrival and is expected to rise in the rank.
Tourist from Europe increased by 15% with Russians leading the pack. Of the Europeans who visited the country, 70.5% of them were from Russia. Nonetheless, Scandinavian count has also improved substantially with Ireland in the lead with 31.4 percent growth.
Despite economic crisis faced by the country, tourism remains strong. Local government units are optimistic on the sector and have been including it in their priority programs.
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Tourist arrivals to the Philippines grew 7.8 percent in January this year as compared to the same period last year. Latest statistics from the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Research and Statistics Division show that there were 293,803 tourists that came to the country last month.
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