By Ma. Teresa Montemayor | Philippine News Agency
Domestic tourism recorded a notable performance nationwide during the long Christmas break as Filipinos traveled in large numbers to beaches, heritage sites, mountain retreats, and island destinations, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Monday.
In a news release, the DOT reported robust visitor turnout in key destinations from mid-December to the end of the holidays, underscoring local travel as a vital pillar of the Philippine tourism industry.
Boracay Island in Western Visayas logged the highest arrivals at 118,745 tourists from Dec. 15 to 28, 2025.
The region also welcomed cruise passengers during the holidays, with Star Navigator and Norwegian Sun making multiple port calls that brought in thousands of passengers and crew.
Central Visayas, likewise, posted strong figures, with Cebu City welcoming 102,124 visitors and Panglao Island in Bohol receiving 62,240 tourists, despite the region having experienced a series of natural calamities earlier in the year.
In Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City recorded 25,194 overnight guests, while Malajog Beach in Calbayog City, Samar, emerged as the most visited site in the region with 56,543 tourists.
Baguio City remained a top holiday draw in the Cordilleras, recording 117,137 visitors from Dec. 15 to New Year’s Eve, attracted by its cool climate, Christmas lights, and seasonal sound-and-light shows.
In the Bicol Region, Camarines Sur welcomed 92,000 visitors, while Albay received 45,000 tourists, many of whom traveled along scenic routes with views of Mayon Volcano.
Northern Luzon destinations also saw steady holiday traffic, with La Union recording 47,338 foreign and local visitors and Ilocos Sur welcoming 32,232 tourists.
Nueva Vizcaya logged 10,012 visitors, many opting for nature-based and countryside travel.
Island destinations continued to be popular, with El Nido, Palawan, welcoming 40,000 tourists; Coron receiving 17,850 visitors; and Puerto Galera drawing 13,204 holiday travelers.
In Mindanao, Sarangani province in Soccsksargen recorded 26,191 visitors, while Siargao Island attracted 32,742 tourists.
Bukidnon welcomed 9,488 visitors, and Camiguin Island logged 6,558 tourists during the Christmas season.
PH tourism in full swing during holiday season
Meanwhile, Intramuros in Metro Manila once again became a focal point for holiday visits, with families and groups flocking to its churches, illuminated streets, and heritage landmarks, particularly during Christmas Masses at the Manila Cathedral.
“The strength of domestic tourism in the Philippines remains a driving force of our travel industry. The Christmas holidays once again showed how Filipinos continue to explore and support our own destinations,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
“From ridge to reef, cities to heritage towns, domestic travel helps communities recover and thrive, boosts the economy, deepens national pride, and supports more equitable tourism development across our regions,” she added.
The DOT also said preparations continued during the holidays for the country’s hosting of the 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Forum (ATF) in 2026, in coordination with the province of Cebu and other national government agencies.
The department is spearheading preparations for the event, with the Cebu City Tourism Commission maintaining coordination efforts, including proposed cultural and heritage activities for delegates.
DOT Central Visayas has also rolled out Project H.A.R.A.N.A. (Hosting ASEAN with Readiness, Agility, Nationalism, and Authenticity), an intersectoral program to prepare volunteers, tour guides, tourist drivers, students, faculty members, and event organizers for ATF 2026.
“As we prepare for ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, we are confident in the Philippines’ readiness to welcome our ASEAN neighbors with excellence and warmth,” Frasco said.
She added that the event aims to showcase Filipino hospitality while strengthening regional cooperation and building a resilient tourism industry. (PNA)
