The Christmas long break underscored the strength of domestic tourism as Filipinos traveled across the country in large numbers, filling beaches, heritage sites, mountain retreats, and island destinations—cementing local travel as a vital pillar of the Philippine tourism industry during the holiday season.
Leading holiday destinations saw robust visitor turnout, with Boracay Island in Western Visayas recording the highest arrivals at 118,745 tourists from December 15 to 28, 2025, as Filipinos gathered to celebrate Christmas by the beach. The region also welcomed cruise passengers during the holidays, with Star Navigator and Norwegian Sun making multiple port calls and bringing in thousands of passengers and crew, further adding to local tourism activity.
Close behind, Cebu City welcomed 102,124 visitors, while Panglao Island in Bohol received 62,240 tourists, reflecting sustained domestic travel to Central Visayas despite the region having faced a series of natural calamities earlier in the year.
Meanwhile, Tacloban City in Eastern Visayas saw some 25,194 overnight guests. But the most visited tourist destination in the region was Malajog Beach in Calbayog City, Samar which registered some 56,543 tourists.
In the Cordilleras, Baguio City—long regarded as a favorite Christmas destination—recorded 117,137 visitors from December 15 to New Year’s Eve, drawn by its cool weather, festive lights, and seasonal sound-and-light shows.
In Bicol, Camarines Sur attracted 92,000 visitors over the holiday break, while neighboring Albay welcomed 45,000 tourists, many traveling along scenic routes framed by views of the iconic Mayon Volcano.
Northern Luzon destinations also saw steady holiday traffic. La Union recorded 47,338 foreign and local visitors seeking a beach escape, while Ilocos Sur welcomed 32,232 tourists drawn to its heritage streets and coastal landscapes. Meanwhile, Nueva Vizcaya received 10,012 visitors, many opting for nature-based and countryside travel during the break.
Island destinations remained popular for a “summer in December” experience. El Nido, Palawan welcomed 40,000 tourists, while Coron recorded 17,850 visitors. Puerto Galera also drew 13,204 holiday travelers.
In Mindanao, the Province of Sarangani in SOCCSKSARGEN welcomed 26,191 visitors, reflecting growing interest in the region’s diverse landscapes. Siargao Island attracted 32,742 tourists, while Bukidnon recorded 9,488 visitors drawn to its rolling mountains and cool climate. Camiguin Island likewise welcomed 6,558 tourists during the Christmas season.
In Metro Manila, the historic Walled City of Intramuros once again became a focal point for holiday visits, as Filipinos flocked to its illuminated streets, churches, and heritage landmarks. The area felt especially alive during the season, with families and groups attending Christmas masses at the Manila Cathedral and enjoying festive decorations in one of the country’s most celebrated heritage destinations.
“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 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.”
Holiday work continues for ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026
Even at the height of the Christmas holidays, the DOT continued preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN 2026, working closely with the Province of Cebu and other national government agencies.
The Department is spearheading preparations for the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), with the Cebu City Tourism Commission maintaining full onboarding and coordination efforts, including proposed cultural and heritage activities for delegates.
DOT Central Visayas also rolled out Project H.A.R.A.N.A. (Hosting ASEAN with Readiness, Agility, Nationalism, and Authenticity), a comprehensive intersectoral program aimed at preparing volunteers, tour guides, tourist drivers, students, faculty members, and event organizers for ATF 2026.
The initiative integrates the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE), refresher courses for DOT-accredited tour guides, seminars for tourist drivers as frontline workers, 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,” Secretary Frasco added.
“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.”
