Domestic tourism surged across the Philippines during the Christmas long break, as Filipinos traveled in large numbers to beaches, heritage sites, mountain retreats, and island destinations—underscoring local travel as a key pillar of the country’s tourism industry during the holiday season.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed strong visitor turnout in major destinations nationwide from mid-December through the end of the year. Boracay Island recorded the highest number of arrivals, welcoming 118,745 tourists from December 15 to 28, 2025, as holidaymakers flocked to the beach to celebrate Christmas. Western Visayas also received cruise passengers during the period, with Star Navigator and Norwegian Sun making multiple port calls that brought in thousands of passengers and crew.

Central Visayas likewise posted robust numbers, with Cebu City welcoming 102,124 visitors and Panglao Island in Bohol receiving 62,240 tourists. The turnout reflected sustained domestic travel to the region despite 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 region’s most visited destination, drawing 56,543 tourists.

The Cordillera region also benefited from the holiday rush, with Baguio City logging 117,137 visitors from December 15 to New Year’s Eve. Travelers were drawn by the city’s cool climate, festive lights, and seasonal sound-and-light shows.

In Bicol, Camarines Sur welcomed around 92,000 visitors during the break, while Albay received 45,000 tourists, many of whom traveled along scenic routes offering views of Mayon Volcano.

Northern Luzon destinations posted steady holiday traffic, with La Union recording 47,338 foreign and local visitors, Ilocos Sur receiving 32,232 tourists, and Nueva Vizcaya logging 10,012 visitors, many opting for countryside and nature-based travel.

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

In Mindanao, Sarangani Province in SOCCSKSARGEN received 26,191 visitors, while Siargao Island attracted 32,742 tourists. Bukidnon recorded 9,488 visitors drawn to its cool climate and rolling landscapes, and Camiguin Island welcomed 6,558 tourists during the Christmas season.

Within Metro Manila, the historic Walled City of Intramuros once again became a focal point for holiday visits, with families and groups flocking to its illuminated streets, churches, and heritage landmarks, including 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,” 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.

ASEAN Tourism Forum preparations continue

Even at the height of the Christmas holidays, the DOT continued preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2026, working closely with the Province of Cebu and other government agencies.

The department is leading preparations for the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum, with the Cebu City Tourism Commission coordinating 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 the event.

The initiative integrates the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, refresher courses for accredited tour guides, seminars for tourist drivers, and modular training on reception protocol, safety, site management, and destination interpretation.

“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.

“Through this milestone event, we aim to showcase the Filipino brand of hospitality while strengthening regional cooperation and building a resilient, competitive tourism industry for the future,” she added.