TOURISTS visit Boracay on Dec. 28. (Contributed photo by Ernesto Cruz)
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) has announced that world-famous Boracay Island is the country’s favored destination during Christmas.
The DOT said 18,745 tourists visited the island-resort in Malay town, Aklan province from Dec. 15 to 28.
“Filipinos gathered to celebrate Christmas by the beach,” the DOT said.
International cruise liners M/V Star Navigator and M/V Norwegian Sun also visited Boracay Island, which is part of the Western Visayas region.
“The multiple port calls and crews brought thousands of passengers and crew, further adding to local tourism activity,” the DOT added.
Data has yet to include tourists who welcomed the New Year on the island and witnessed a spectacular fireworks show.
Trailing behind Boracay is Cebu City with 102,124 Christmas visitors. Third is Panglao Island in Bohol province with 62,240 Christmas visitors.
The top three Christmas destinations of the country are all in the Visayas.