Domestic tourism across the Philippines delivered a strong year-end boost as millions of Filipinos hit the road during the Christmas long break, reinforcing local travel as a critical growth engine for the tourism industry.
From mid-December to year’s end, destinations nationwide reported robust visitor traffic. Boracay Island led the surge, welcoming 118,745 tourists from December 15 to 28 as holiday makers packed beaches and resorts.
Western Visayas also benefited from cruise tourism, with vessels such as Star Navigator and Norwegian Sun making multiple port calls that injected additional spending from passengers and crew.
Central Visayas posted equally solid numbers. Cebu City received 102,124 visitors, while Panglao Island in Bohol attracted 62,240 tourists, a notable rebound despite weather-related disruptions earlier in the year.
In Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City logged 25,194 overnight guests, while Malajog Beach in Samar emerged as a standout, drawing 56,543 visitors.
Mountain and heritage destinations capitalized on the holiday mood. Baguio City recorded 117,137 visitors through New Year’s Eve, driven by its cool climate and festive light displays.
Camarines Sur welcomed around 92,000 tourists, while Albay drew 45,000 visitors, many traveling scenic routes with views of Mayon Volcano.
Beach and island getaways remained top choices for a “summer in December.”
El Nido welcomed 40,000 tourists, Coron logged 17,850, and Puerto Galera drew 13,204 visitors. In Mindanao, Siargao Island attracted 32,742 tourists, Sarangani received 26,191, and emerging destinations such as Bukidnon and Camiguin posted steady arrivals.
Urban tourism also gained ground. Metro Manila saw increased holiday foot traffic, with Intramuros drawing families to its illuminated streets, heritage sites, and Christmas masses.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the figures underscore domestic tourism’s role in economic recovery, noting that local travel supports jobs, spreads growth across regions, and strengthens national pride—momentum the sector aims to sustain into the new year.
