Airport arrivals in 'ber' months higher compared to 2021 record, BI says

The number of arrivals in airports in the country during the 'ber' months has increased compared to the record last year, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Thursday.

“Mula po noong ber months nakita po natin na tumataas po ito (Since the ber months, the number of arrivals to the country has increased),” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said at a televised public briefing.

According to her, the number of arrivals in October 2022 reached around 634,000, which is higher compared to 195,000 recorded in December 2021.

Sandoval said the number of arrivals is expected to further increase during the usual peak in December.

She attributed the increase to the relaxation of travel restrictions in the country in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In October, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said more than 1.8 million foreigners have visited the Philippines, exceeding government estimates.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said tourist arrivals totaled 1,827,603 as of October 25.—AOL, GMA Integrated News