Western Visayas generated PHP70 billion from its 5.36 million tourist arrivals in 2023, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported on Tuesday.
Of the total arrivals, 550,000 were foreign and overseas visitors, while the remainder were domestic travelers who significantly bolstered the region’s tourism industry.
“This marks a 22.9 percent increase in tourist arrivals from 2022, which saw only 4.36 million visitors,” said DOT Assistant Regional Director for Western Visayas, Phoebe Zelie Areño, during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum last Tuesday.
She attributed this growth to improved access to destinations for domestic travelers, aided by promotional efforts from airline companies and enhanced road connectivity.
The province of Aklan, home to the world-famous Boracay Island, led the region with 2.2 million arrivals, contributing over PHP44.43 billion in revenue. Iloilo City followed with 886,283 arrivals, generating PHP8.29 billion.
Bacolod City recorded 780,916 arrivals, producing PHP7.1 billion in revenue. Negros Occidental saw 694,015 arrivals and PHP6.22 billion in receipts, while Iloilo province registered 318,535 arrivals and PHP2.269 billion.
Other provinces also showed significant tourist activity. Antique welcomed 149,509 tourists, generating over PHP564.89 million; Capiz had 196,844 arrivals, contributing PHP689.32 million; and Guimaras saw 133,818 tourists, yielding PHP427.57 million.
Looking ahead, the DOT expects around 5.6 million visitors in Western Visayas for 2024, based on data from local government units.
As of July 7, partial records show over 1.3 million arrivals, resulting in more than PHP23 billion in revenue.
Areño emphasized the continued development of tourist destinations and campaigns for increased arrivals, guided by the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028.
The plan serves as a roadmap for tourism, outlining the vision to establish a sustainable, resilient, and competitive tourism industry. It includes key policies and initiatives to build infrastructure, foster investments, and encourage public and private partnerships.
News source: PNA – Philippine News Agency