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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Holiday season sparks unprecedented surge in local travel—DOT

Holiday season sparks unprecedented surge in local travel—DOT

Published Jan 5, 2026 01:00 pm

At A Glance

  • Domestic travel hit record levels during the Christmas long break.
  • Top holiday destinations: Boracay, Baguio, Cebu, Panglao, and Camarines Sur.
  • Cruise arrivals in Western Visayas boosted local businesses.
  • Northern Luzon, Eastern Visayas, Mindanao, and island destinations saw strong visitor turnout.
  • Preparations for ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 included Project H.A.R.A. training programs for tourism personnel.
Tourists build sandcastles along the shores of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, as domestic travel reaches record levels during the Christmas long break.
Tourists build sandcastles along the shores of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, as domestic travel reaches record levels during the Christmas long break.
Domestic travel set new records during the Christmas long break, and local tourism supported communities while strengthening the economy, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Monday, Jan. 5.
Boracay Island led major destinations with 118,745 visitors from Dec. 15 to 28, 2025.
Baguio City followed with 117,137 visitors, Cebu City welcomed 102,124, Panglao Island in Bohol had 62,240, and Camarines Sur received 92,000 holiday travelers.
Western Visayas also saw a surge in cruise tourism, as Star Navigator and Norwegian Sun made multiple port calls, bringing thousands of passengers and crew and boosting local businesses.
Eastern Visayas recorded resilient domestic travel despite earlier calamities.
Tacloban City logged 25,194 overnight guests, while Malajog Beach in Calbayog City, Samar, welcomed 56,543 tourists.
Northern Luzon destinations attracted steady holiday traffic
La Union recorded 47,338 visitors, Ilocos Sur drew 32,232, and Nueva Vizcaya hosted 10,012 travelers seeking heritage streets, coastal scenery, and countryside escapes.
Island destinations continued to lure tourists seeking a “summer in December.”
El Nido, Palawan drew 40,000 visitors, Coron welcomed 17,850, and Puerto Galera received 13,204 travelers.
In Mindanao, Sarangani Province saw 26,191 visitors, Siargao Island attracted 32,742, Bukidnon hosted 9,488, and Camiguin Island received 6,558 during the holidays, reflecting the region’s growing appeal.
Metro Manila experienced higher holiday foot traffic, particularly in Intramuros, where families and groups enjoyed illuminated streets, churches, heritage landmarks, and attended Christmas masses at the Manila Cathedral.
“The strength of domestic tourism remains a driving force for our industry, and the Christmas holidays showed how travelers continue to explore and support local destinations,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said.
Frasco added that the holiday momentum coincided with preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2026.
Central Visayas rolled out Project H.A.R.A., which includes training programs for tour guides and tourist drivers, as well as modular courses on safety, site management, and Filipino hospitality.
“As we prepare for ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, we are confident in the Philippines’ readiness to welcome ASEAN neighbors with excellence and warmth,” Frasco said, emphasizing the country’s commitment to building a resilient and competitive tourism industry.

Related Tags

domestic tourism holiday travel 2025 Christmas travel DOT Philippines ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026
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