THE PHILIPPINES
Every door opens more
Airbnb’s contribution to the Philippines' people, places and prosperity
Airbnb’s contribution to the Philippines' people, places and prosperity
Every Airbnb door opens more. A place to stay becomes a place to spend. A host becomes an employer and a guest becomes a contributor. While these may be small, distributed decisions, together they shape the Philippines’ growing visitor economy.
Airbnb is helping tourism income reach beyond traditional hotspots, supporting small businesses, local stores, and family-run stays across the archipelago. From Siargao’s surf shacks to sari-sari stores in Ilocos, each Airbnb stay connects travellers to the everyday economy of Filipino life.
Download the reportShort stays: big impact
In 2024, Airbnb contributed PHP 113 billion to the Philippines' GDP. This included PHP 50 billion in direct impact, and another PHP 63 billion through ripple effects that supported local suppliers, services, and spending in surrounding communities. Together, the economic activity generated by Airbnb supported 190,700 jobs across the Philippines and delivered PHP 25 billion in wages.The outcomes reflect a travel economy woven into the fabric of daily life where tricycle drivers, restaurant staff, and countless others benefit from the steady flow of guest arrivals.
Supporting local communities beyond hosts
Supporting local communities beyond hosts
The value of Airbnb activity begins with accommodation but continues through local spending and touches areas across the economy.
Top sectors by GDP contribution
Top sectors by jobs supported
Spending by guests typically includes transport, dining, entertainment and local services. Hosts rely on tradespeople, cleaners, suppliers and other service providers. These ripple effects help keep the benefits of tourism within communities, creating flexible jobs close to home.
Download the reportThe guests behind the spend
The guests behind the spend
In 2024, 78 percent of Airbnb guests in the Philippines were domestic travellers, reflecting strong local demand for short stays. These guests spent an average of PHP 7,300 per day in non-accommodation spending, generating PHP 102 billion in destination spending.Whether visiting family, attending local festivals or exploring heritage sites, Filipino guests are using travel to connect with places and support regional economies in the process.
Where they go
In 2024, 31.3 percent of Airbnb accommodation spending took place outside of major cities; in smaller towns, remote islands, and rural provinces. This share has remained steady since 2019, indicating that decentralised travel is not a short-term trend but a sustained behaviour.Filipino hosts are helping make this possible by welcoming guests into their communities and unlocking new opportunities in places that have long been overlooked.
Host spotlight
Hosts in the Philippines range from families in island barangays to owners in suburban cities. Their listings are a source of income, flexibility and a way to take part in the national visitor economy.
Pau & Mia
Cebu, The Philippines
"My wife Mia and I started hosting in 2016 with a single Airbnb listing. Back then, we were both English teachers looking for more flexibility and stability for our family. Over time, that one listing grew into a full-time life, we now manage 50 stays, homeschool our four kids, and work with a team of 12 amazing locals. Hosting has become more than just a business for us; it’s a way of life. We mentor new hosts, keep everything locally owned and transparent, and stay connected through weekly team hangouts. For us, it’s all about creating opportunities and giving back, one meaningful stay at a time."
About the report
Airbnb commissioned Oxford Economics, a world-leading economic analysis and forecasting firm, to assess the impact of Airbnb’s ecosystem on communities throughout Asia Pacific.
Our work in the Philippines
Related links
Data source: Airbnb, Oxford Economics. Data based on 12 months from 1 January to 31 December 2024.