2024 tourist arrivals bring in P125 billion for Central Visayas

Local

TOURISTS in Central Visayas contributed P125.92 billion to the region’s economy in 2024, highlighting a significant industry rebound.

The Department of Tourism-Central Visayas (DOT-7) recorded 7,517,450 arrivals, a 37.03 percent increase from the previous year.

DOT-7 Director Judy Gabato said the region’s tourism industry has recovered 80 percent of its pre-pandemic levels, with domestic arrivals reaching 98 percent of 2019 figures and international arrivals at 58 percent.

Cebu remained the top draw, welcoming 5,077,727 overnight visitors, making up 67.50 percent of the region’s total arrivals.

Bohol followed with 1,369,945 visitors (18.22 percent), while Negros Oriental recorded 828,249 (11.01 percent) and Siquijor had 241,529 (3.21 percent).

Korean-dominated

Gabato said South Korea continued to be the dominant foreign market, accounting for 41.17 percent of total arrivals, followed by visitors from the United States (9.39 percent), Japan (9.08 percent), and China (5.09 percent).

She attributed the growth in arrivals from emerging markets such as Taiwan, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada to expanded marketing campaigns and improved flight connectivity.

At Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the tourism surge was evident.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) recorded 10,201,113 passengers from January to November 2024, surpassing 2023’s 10,059,361 total travelers.

Gabato said direct flights from Incheon, South Korea, to Cebu played a major role in the increase, reinforcing Cebu and Bohol as key entry points for visitors.

Rise of global recognition

The region’s global reputation continues to rise, with Cebu winning the title of Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination for 2024 from the World Travel Awards.

Gabato said this award underscored Cebu’s ability to offer world-class tourism experiences for couples, families, and travelers.

Other industry accolades included Bai Hotel Cebu and Jpark Island Resort Waterpark Mactan receiving ASEAN MICE Venue Awards, while multiple establishments were honored in the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards.

Agoda’s New Horizon List for 2025 recognized Bohol as the Top Emerging Destination and Siquijor as the Top Trending Destination, which Gabato said reflected the region’s continued appeal and potential for expansion.

Beyond attracting visitors, DOT 7 is focused on building a competitive tourism workforce.

The region now has 2,677 DOT-accredited tourism enterprises, and 10,629 professionals have completed training under the Tourism Industry Skills Program and Filipino Brand of Service Excellence initiative.

Gabato said these efforts ensure that the Philippines’ greatest asset, which are the people, remains at the forefront of delivering exceptional tourism experiences.(MyTVCebu)