The US has overtaken South Korea as the Philippines’ top source of foreign tourists this year, helped by diaspora travel and closer ties between the long-time allies, giving Manila a boost as it tries to close the gap with more popular destinations in Southeast Asia.

Figures from the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) showed that between January and May, 531,859 visitors came from the US, while 501,789 were from South Korea – comprising 19.4 per cent and 18.3 per cent of the total tourism arrivals, respectively.

The rise comes against the backdrop of a consistently strong public perception of the US, as both countries continue to deepen their defence and economic ties.

A survey by pollster Social Weather Stations released last September showed that Filipinos trusted the US the most, as 72 per cent expressed “much trust” in its long-time ally, recording a “very good” trust rating of +63.

Washington and Manila have also ramped up their economic partnership tied to their security goals.