The Philippine government continues to work with Australia to sustain its citizens’ interest in traveling to the archipelago amid its latest travel advisory.

Speaking to reporters Monday, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Australia remains one of the Philippines’ highest growth and recovery sectors post-pandemic.

“They are averaging around 22 percent in terms of growth for arrivals month-on-month compared to 2024,” she said.

“We continue to work with both the Australian government and stakeholders to ensure this interest of Australians in the Philippines is sustained,” she added.

The Philippine government, she said, is doubling efforts to ensure the quality of tourism safety as well as travel convenience and accessibility.

Frasco, meanwhile, encouraged the Australian government to continue partnering with the Philippines to help them “rationalize their travel advisory”.

In its March 19 travel advisory update, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advised its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime”.

It reiterated its warning against traveling to central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu archipelago and the southern Sulu Sea area.

Frasco said the DOT is working closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, and the Philippine National Police as well as related government agencies “to safeguard and continue to elevate the quality of our tourism destinations”.

Australia ranks as the fifth-highest source market for the Philippines in 2024, contributing 299,286 arrivals.

In the first two months of the year, a total of 56,629 Australian travelers visited the country, posting a 19.36 percent growth from the 47,694 recorded in 2024.

On top of ensuring travel safety, Frasco said the DOT is also in talks with international and local carriers to expand connectivity and number of direct flights to the Philippines. (PNA)