TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Visayas saw a strong rebound in domestic tourism during the recent Christmas long break, with popular destinations in the region drawing tens of thousands of visitors, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) central office.
In a statement released this week, the DOT said the surge reflects Filipinos’ growing confidence in local destinations and highlights tourism’s role in driving regional economic activity.
Data from the holiday period showed that Tacloban City recorded about 25,194 overnight guests from December 15 to 28, as returning residents and holiday travelers gathered for family reunions and Christmas festivities.
Meanwhile, Malajog Beach in Calbayog City emerged as the region’s top tourist draw, welcoming 56,543 visitors during the same period. Local tourism officials said the turnout underscores the rising appeal of Eastern Visayas’ coastal destinations, particularly in Samar, where beach resorts offered a “summer-like” escape during the holidays.
The DOT noted that the region’s performance mirrored a nationwide increase in domestic travel, with Filipinos flocking to beaches, heritage sites, mountain areas, and island destinations over the Christmas season.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said domestic tourism remains a key pillar of the industry, helping communities recover and sustain livelihoods.
“The Christmas holidays once again showed how Filipinos continue to explore and support our own destinations,” Frasco said, adding that domestic travel boosts local economies, strengthens national pride, and promotes more balanced tourism development across regions.
The DOT said the influx of holiday travelers also provided a welcome boost to local businesses, transport operators, and hospitality establishments, reinforcing Eastern Visayas’ potential as a competitive destination beyond the Christmas season.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
