The Philippines is entering 2026 with rising confidence in the Taiwan market after closing 2025 with stronger visitor numbers, signaling fresh momentum in one of Asia’s most hotly contested outbound segments.
Figures from the Bureau of Immigration show Taiwanese arrivals climbed to 213,928 in 2025, up 6.32 percent from 201,203 in 2024.
The gain stands out against a fiercely competitive backdrop. Taiwan’s overall outbound travel expanded 12.43 percent during the year, according to its Ministry of Transportation and Communications, as regional destinations ramped up promotions and air links to capture surging demand.
The Philippines placed ninth among Taiwan’s outbound markets. And the Department of Tourism sees room for Taiwanese visitor numbers to climb higher.
Chriselle May S. Yambao, Philippine Tourism Attaché in Taiwan, said the increase reflects the steady return of Taiwanese travelers despite stiff competition across Asia. She said the figures confirm that market fundamentals remain intact and that demand for Philippine destinations continues to show resilience.
The DOT credits visa free entry for Taiwanese travelers as a central driver of growth.
Expanded air connectivity also played a decisive role. Additional commercial and charter flights in 2025 improved seat capacity and scheduling flexibility, while new cruise itineraries, including sailings by Star Cruises via Kaohsiung, introduced more Philippine ports to Taiwanese passengers.
Improved connectivity and easier travel access formed the backbone of the recovery, Yambao said.
Beach hotspots such as Boracay, Palawan and Cebu remained top draws, supported by demand for diving, cruise tourism, meetings and incentives travel, exhibitions and conferences, and English as a Second Language programs.
With sustained promotions under the Love the Philippines campaign and stronger access in place, officials are cautiously optimistic that 2026 will bring faster growth and a bigger share of Taiwan’s expanding outbound market.
