International tourists love Central Visayas. This, according to the recent comprehensive tourism sectoral review conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) using data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), shows that the region continues to drive international tourism to the Philippines, keeping a strong hold as the country’s tourism hotspot.
From 2000 to 2024, Central Visayas welcomed 31.5 million foreign visitors, surpassing the National Capital Region’s (NCR) 19.6 million arrivals.
The government think tank underscores that Cebu, as the region’s centerpiece, continues to strengthen the country’s tourism reputation through its strong and diverse portfolio.
The province is known for the historic sites of Cebu City, such as Magellan’s Cross, to the thrilling adventures at Kawasan Falls in Badian, marine life encounters in Moalboal and Oslob in Southern Cebu, and world-class diving in Northern Cebu’s Malapascua and Bantayan Islands.
The Philippines’ second-smallest region and tourism powerhouse is also home to the country’s first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Geopark in Bohol, where one of the world’s smallest primate inhabits, the tarsier; to the spotless white sand of the Manjuyod Sandbar in Bais City; the City of Gentle People, Dumaguete in Negros Oriental (formally separated in the region in June 2024); and hidden natural wonders in Siquijor, the island made of fire, where the stunning Cambugahay Falls can be located, reflecting its appeal as a top tourism destination.
“The region’s success shows how collaborative, community-anchored tourism development can uplift destinations nationwide and propel Philippine tourism forward. Central Visayas affirms the strength of sustained public-private partnerships among national agencies, local governments, industry stakeholders, and host communities. This year, Cebu accelerates its tourism recovery and reaffirms its position as a premiere MICE destination after the successful hosting of the ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, while Bohol continues to advance its tourism development, supported by improved international flight connectivity. This consistent performance not only underscores the region’s global appeal but also drives growth across the wider Philippine tourism industry by generating jobs, stimulating investments, supporting local enterprises, and reinforcing the country’s reputation for world-class Filipino hospitality,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
The report also identifies other regions across the country that have seen significant tourist arrivals over the past 24 years. This includes Western Visayas, with 11.9 million foreign tourists’ arrivals, driven largely by the 4-kilometer powdery white beach of Boracay, which was recently crowned the World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination.
The Bicol Region, which welcomed 8.9 million foreign tourists, lured primarily by Bicol’s breathtaking landscapes, including the nearly perfect cone-shaped Mount Mayon and whale shark interactions in Donsol.
Leveraging its strategic proximity to the NCR and Clark International Airport, a secondary gateway for international travelers, Central Luzon accounted for 8.3 million foreign tourist arrivals.
Region IV-B, also known as MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), home to one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recorded over 6.9 million foreign tourists.
CALABARZON emerges as a magnet for domestic travel
Meanwhile, Southern Tagalog, or CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), emerged as the most visited region by domestic travelers, with 77.5 million visitors from 2008 to 2024.
According to the PIDS, “the region’s accessibility makes it a prime destination for short-haul travel and weekend getaways, particularly for travelers from Metro Manila.”
“The strong performance of our regions highlights the vital role of domestic tourism in sustaining the industry. In the Philippines, domestic tourism is just as important, if not more important, than international arrivals, as Filipino travelers continue to drive economic activity, support local businesses, and create jobs across the country. This growth shows the importance of improving accessibility, infrastructure, and tourism experiences to build a resilient and inclusive tourism sector for our communities,” added Secretary Frasco.
Notably, the Bicol Region recorded 51.7 million domestic travelers, followed by Central Visayas with 45.9 million, Central Luzon with 44.2 million, and Western Visayas with 38.2 million.
Highlighting the region’s tourism growth, Southern Tagalog recorded 10,863,098 overnight travelers in 2024, including 10,680,294 domestic and 182,804 overseas Filipinos and foreign travelers, according to the DOT’s Statistics, Economic Analysis, and Information Management Division (SEAIMD) Regional Distribution of Overnight Travelers report.
Tourism as PH’s major economic driver
In terms of domestic tourism expenditure, the Philippines ranked number one in Southeast Asia, accounting for over one-third of the region’s total. In 2024, Philippine domestic spending reached USD 63.4 billion, with a projected USD 70.8 billion in 2025, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The PIDS released the discussion paper titled Philippine Tourism Sectoral Review (2000 to 2025): From Promise to Power – Accelerating the Philippines’ Tourism Transformation toward Sustainability, Competitiveness, and Inclusion, which reviews the performance of the country’s tourism sector from the past 25 years.