Central Visayas continues to attract the most foreign visitors in the Philippines, according to a recent review by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) using data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
From 2000 to 2024, the region received 31.5 million foreign arrivals, surpassing the National Capital Region’s 19.6 million tourists over the same period.
Cebu, as the region’s main hub, is credited for strengthening the country’s tourism reputation with attractions ranging from historical sites in Cebu City to waterfalls, diving spots, and marine life experiences across Southern and Northern Cebu.
Bohol hosts the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark and is home to the tarsier, while Dumaguete in Negros Oriental and Siquijor showcase natural landscapes like Cambugahay Falls and pristine coastal areas.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said Central Visayas’ success highlights the value of public-private partnerships and community-driven tourism development. She noted Cebu’s post-ASEAN Summit recovery and Bohol’s improved international flight connectivity as key factors.
Other regions also recorded notable international arrivals, including Western Visayas with 11.9 million, Bicol with 8.9 million, Central Luzon with 8.3 million, and MIMAROPA with 6.9 million tourists.
For domestic travel, Southern Tagalog or CALABARZON leads with 77.5 million visitors between 2008 and 2024. Secretary Frasco said domestic tourism is critical in sustaining local economies, supporting jobs, and encouraging regional development.
The PIDS report, titled Philippine Tourism Sectoral Review (2000 to 2025): From Promise to Power, also shows that domestic spending on tourism reached USD 63.4 billion in 2024, making the Philippines the top Southeast Asian country for domestic tourism expenditure, with projections of USD 70.8 billion for 2025.
