In 2024, Eastern Visayas experienced a remarkable rise in tourism revenues, with earnings reaching PHP 39.33 billion, according to a report from the Department of Tourism (DOT) Eastern Visayas Regional Office.

The region’s tourism performance has far exceeded expectations, driven by the influx of 1.6 million visitors and an overall increase in tourist spending.

This growth reflects a vibrant and steadily expanding tourism industry in the area.

The growth trajectory has been consistent, with a 27.27% increase in tourism revenues from 2022 to 2023, followed by an impressive 21.75% boost between 2023 and 2024.

The region’s tourism revenue growth outpaces the national target, demonstrating the resilience and appeal of Eastern Visayas as a top travel destination.

Key Drivers of Growth: The region’s substantial tourism revenue came from various sectors, including hotel accommodations, dining in local restaurants, transportation services, and retail.

These segments saw significant increases in activity, reflecting the region’s ability to attract both domestic and international tourists.

Additionally, Eastern Visayas welcomed 5.55 million visitors for day tours to the region’s most popular sites. This influx of tourists to natural landmarks and cultural attractions has contributed to the region’s economic growth.

The regional office of the Department of Tourism emphasized the importance of these statistics, highlighting how key attractions and diverse destinations helped fuel the tourism boom.

Top Destinations in Eastern Visayas: Among the most visited locations in Eastern Visayas in 2024 were Kalanggaman Island, known for its stunning white-sand beaches, and the San Juanico Bridge, a landmark of historical significance.

Other top spots include the Leyte Landing Memorial, Sambawan Island in Biliran, and diving sites in Southern Leyte. The region also showcased natural wonders like the Sohoton Cave and Natural Park in Samar and the unique Biri Rock Formations in Northern Samar.

The province of Samar emerged as the leader in overnight guest arrivals, with 338,727 visitors, followed by the city of Tacloban at 377,000 and Leyte at 361,000.

Southern Leyte and Northern Samar also reported solid numbers, showcasing a widespread appeal across the entire region. The success of these key destinations has positioned Eastern Visayas as a competitive player in the Philippine tourism sector.

Moving Forward: The tourism revenue figures from Eastern Visayas surpass the national tourism growth target of 15%, setting a strong example for other regions.

The DOT regional office plans to leverage these insights to help local government units (LGUs) optimize their marketing strategies and target further growth opportunities.

As the tourism industry continues to thrive, stakeholders are focused on building sustainable strategies that will preserve the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage while continuing to grow visitor numbers.

By using these statistics and trends, the region’s tourism experts aim to drive future success, ensuring that Eastern Visayas remains one of the premier destinations in the Philippines.

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