A TOTAL of 3.917 million tourist arrivals in 2011. And Philippine tourism makes history!

So gloated the Department of Tourism with the previous year’s record of 3.52 million foreign visitors “eclipsed” by 11.28 percent, surpassing even by 4.6 percent the 3.7 million target set by the DOT for 2011. .

“When the industry exceeds expectations as it had done last year, we feel very encouraged. And with the overwhelming response to our new brand campaign launched last month, we know that we have broken ground on crowdsourcing.  The people’s campaign will help bring more numbers.”

So exulted Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr.

Jimenez’s predecessor, Albert Lim, was also given due recognition for the feat.
“The country capped 2011 with 394,567 tourists arriving in December, strongest among all months last year.

But November proved to be the biggest gainer, improving 19.8 percent from the same month in 2010 with 337,021 visitors.

Ten out of the twelve months last year saw figures north of 300,000.  The 2011 figure also includes returning overseas Filipinos, who numbered 207,152.”

So a press release from the DOT Region Central Luzon office said.

A total of 3.917 million tourist arrivals in 2011. Outstanding achievement. A cause for celebration, yeah.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Southeast Asia, the total tourist arrivals for 2011 are as follows:

Malaysia - 25 million;

Thailand – 17 million, notwithstanding the devastating floods that paralyzed the country in October and November;

Singapore – 11. 6 million;

Indonesia – 7.65 million; and

Vietnam – 6 million.

A total of 3.917 million tourist arrivals in the Philippines for 2011.

Yeah, weep.