The Philippines saw a strong rise in tourist arrivals in 2013, despite the typhoon that devastated swathes of the country in November.

According to data from the country’s Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippines welcomed a total of 4.68 million international visitors in 2013, 9.6% more than in 2012. And while this falls short of the country’s target of five million visitors, the result is still impressive given the fact that tourism to the country was essentially put on hold following the deadly impact of Typhoon Haiyan.

South Korea remained the Philippines’ biggest visitor source market in 2013, accounting for 1.17m arrivals, or approximately 25% of the total. The US was second, contributing 674,564 arrivals, ahead of Japan (433,705), China (426,352), Australia (213,023) and Singapore (175,034).

The strongest growth market however, was China, which provided almost 70% more visitors than it did in 2012. The DOT attributed the rise to new air services and increased marketing activities in Chinese cities.

“Our key source markets generally performed well during the month of December, proof that international confidence has been regained. The Philippines is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support, aid, and goodwill from all over the world. They were all instrumental in our road to recovery,” said the country’s tourism secretary, Ramon Jimenez Jr.

International tourism revenues climbed 15.1% to US$4.4 billion, while the average length-of-stay remained at 9.6 nights. Despite the setback, the Philippines has retained its long-term target of welcoming 10m international visitors by 2016. For 2014, the target has been set at 6.8m arrivals.

“We foresee better opportunities for growth this year as we continue to roll-out programmes under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP). We also hope to engage more Filipinos in appreciating the value of tourism in the country’s inclusive growth agenda and encourage them to take an active role in growing the industry by being better hosts to both local and foreign tourists,” Jimenez said.

Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines’ central tourism provinces in November, killing at least 6,200 people and destroying homes and transport infrastructure.