Three crowns. More Chinese visitors. Is your next island escape in the Philippines?
Award-winning beaches, underwater adventures and rising Chinese arrivals give Philippine tourism fresh reasons to make a splash.
Three crowns. A rising tide. And a suitcase calling your name. The Philippines just scored Asia’s leading beach, dive and island destination titles at the World Travel Awards 2026—and Chinese visitors are returning in growing numbers. How much growth? 69.38%, with 300,949 arrivals from China from January 1 to August 22, according to DOT figures published by the Tourism Promotions Board. Beyond the trophies, what’s drawing travelers in—and how can island holidays bring Filipinos and Chinese closer?