Philippine holiday destinations see strong tourist arrivals over Christmas break
Local tourists were drawn to both nature and heritage destinations.
In the Philippines, beaches, heritage sites, mountain retreats, and island destinations were among the top vacation spots during the Christmas break.
According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), Boracay Island in Western Visayas recorded the highest arrivals, welcoming 118,745 tourists from December 15 to 28, 2025. The island also received cruise passengers from the Star Navigator and Norwegian Sun.
In Central Visayas, Cebu welcomed 102,124 visitors, while Panglao Island in Bohol attracted 62,240 tourists. In Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City recorded 25,194 overnight guests, and Malajog Beach in Calbayog City, Samar, was the most visited site in the region with 56,543 tourists.
In North Luzon, Baguio City was nearly on par with Boracay, hosting 117,137 visitors from December 15 to New Year’s Eve. In the same region, La Union received 47,338 foreign and local visitors, while Ilocos Sur welcomed 32,232 tourists.
In the Bicol Region, Camarines Sur drew 92,000 visitors, and Albay welcomed 45,000 tourists, many of whom went to see the Mayon Volcano. Nueva Vizcaya logged 10,012 visitors, with many opting for nature-based and countryside travel experiences.
Island destinations continued to be popular. El Nido, Palawan attracted 40,000 tourists, while Coron received 17,850 visitors, Puerto Galera drew 13,204 holiday travelers. Sarangani in Mindanao logged 26,191 visitors, and Siargao Island welcomed 32,742 tourists. In addition, Bukidnon recorded 9,488 visitors, and Camiguin Island received 6,558 tourists over the Christmas season.
Meanwhile, Intramuros in Metro Manila gathered families and groups to its churches and heritage sites, particularly during Christmas Masses at the Manila Cathedral.
“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,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
“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,” she added.