Boracay tops holiday destinations as domestic tourism surges

As expected, the pristine island of Boracay once again emerged as a top destination for international and local tourists during the long Christmas holiday break, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

DOT records showed that a total of 118,745 tourists visited Boracay Island in Western Visayas from 15 to 28 December.

The region also welcomed cruise passengers during the holidays, with Star Navigator and Norwegian Sun making multiple port calls and bringing in thousands of passengers and crew, further boosting local tourism activity.

Cebu City followed Boracay, recording 102,124 visitors, while Panglao Island in Bohol received 62,240 tourists. These figures reflect sustained domestic travel to Central Visayas despite the region having faced a series of natural calamities earlier in the year.

In Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City logged 25,194 overnight guests. However, the most visited destination in the region was Malajog Beach in Calbayog City, Samar, which registered 56,543 tourists.

In the Cordilleras, Baguio City—long regarded as a favorite Christmas destination—recorded 117,137 visitors from December 15 to New Year’s Eve, drawn by its cool weather, festive lights, and seasonal sound-and-light shows.

In Bicol, Camarines Sur attracted 92,000 visitors over the holiday break, while neighboring Albay welcomed 45,000 tourists, many of whom traveled along scenic routes framed by views of the iconic Mayon Volcano.

Northern Luzon destinations also saw steady holiday traffic, with La Union recording 47,338 foreign and local visitors seeking a beach escape. Ilocos Sur, meanwhile, welcomed 32,232 tourists drawn to its heritage streets and coastal landscapes.

Nueva Vizcaya received 10,012 visitors, many opting for nature-based and countryside travel during the break.

Island destinations remained popular for a “summer in December” experience, as El Nido, Palawan, welcomed 40,000 tourists, while Coron recorded 17,850 visitors. Puerto Galera also drew 13,204 holiday travelers.

In Mindanao, Sarangani province in SOCCSKSARGEN welcomed 26,191 visitors, reflecting growing interest in the region’s diverse landscapes.

Siargao Island attracted 32,742 tourists, while Bukidnon recorded 9,488 visitors drawn to its rolling mountains and cool climate. Camiguin Island likewise welcomed 6,558 tourists during the Christmas season.

In Metro Manila, the historic Walled City of Intramuros once again became a focal point for holiday visits, as Filipinos flocked to its illuminated streets, churches, and heritage landmarks.

The area was particularly lively during the season, with families and groups attending Christmas masses at the Manila Cathedral and enjoying festive decorations in one of the country’s most celebrated heritage destinations.

“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,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

“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.