BALANGA CITY, Bataan — The provincial government has recorded a rise in the number of tourists visiting Bataan in 2024, citing a 41.16 percent increase from the previous year.

In a statement released on 18 June, Governor Joet Garcia was elated over the increase of tourist arrivals in Bataan. He added that in 2024, tourist arrivals reached 1,237,611, including excursionists or tourists on a day tour.

“This is higher by 41.16 percent compared to the 876,759 tourist arrivals that were recorded in 2023,” he said.

The governor cited that this milestone in tourist arrivals is due to the unwavering cooperation between the public and private establishments, as well as the local products that tourists continue to look and crave for in Bataan.

Meanwhile, the 1Bataan Integrated Transport System (1BITS) has commenced with the trial run of the ferry services from Manila to Bataan on 13 June. The said ferry system will run from the Orion Port starting from 13 June up to 31 October.

The new 1BITS ferry service will traverse Manila Bay to and from Bataan, with its terminal located at the CCP Complex, Pedro Bukaneg Street in Pasay City. This allow tourists from the Metro to visit Bataan without having to experience heavy traffic.

Bataan is rich in natural wonders and is also a popular heritage and historical destination especially due to its role during the beginning of the Pacific Theater of the Second World War. The province is known for its cultural and historical sites, ecotourism and colorful festivals.