Government efforts to spread tourism development nationwide is a factor in the economic growth of all regions, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Friday.
In its latest report, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said economies of 18 regions all recorded annual positive growth in 2024.
Central Visayas posted the fastest growth of 7.3 percent in 2024, with Caraga ranking second at 6.9 percent, followed by Central Luzon at 6.5 percent.
Other four regions with growth faster than the national level were Davao Region at 6.3 percent, Eastern Visayas at 6.2 percent, Northern Mindanao at 6.0 percent and the Negros Island Region (NIR) at 5.9 percent.
The Philippines’ gross domestic product grew by 5.7 percent last year.
“We at the Department of Tourism are elated by this positive development. This strongly affirms our strategy to equalize tourism development across all regions, as directed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in a news release.
“The robust growth in regional economies such as those in Central Visayas, Regions III (Central Luzon), VIII (Eastern Visayas), XI (Davao), X (Northern Mindanao) and XIII (Caraga), among others, demonstrates the far-reaching impact of tourism when it is inclusive, community-based, and sustainably driven.”
The DOT has seen a steady growth in tourists visiting various regions since the Philippines reopened its borders to international travelers in 2022
Caraga, composed of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, welcomed 725,266 local and foreign travelers in 2022, about 1.4 million in 2023, and 1.7 million in 2024.
Arrivals in Davao Region also reached 2.1 million in 2022, more than 3 million in 2023 and over 4.1 million last year.
Some 5,485,943 tourists also visited Central Visayas in 2023, and 7,517,450 in 2024.
“Through our flagship programs such as the Philippine Experience Program, the establishment of Tourist Rest Areas, and the Tourism Champions Challenge, we continue to empower provinces, cities, and municipalities to realize their full tourism potential,” Frasco said.
“These programs serve as concrete instruments for spreading opportunities and uplifting local economies, giving communities the means to thrive while showcasing the diverse beauty and heritage of the Philippines,” she added.
Frasco said the DOT will continue promoting a sustainable and inclusive tourism industry, where not only tourists but also local communities nationwide benefit.
Based on the April 2024 PSA Labor Force Survey, 16.4 million Filipinos, representing 34 percent of total employment in the first quarter, benefitted directly or indirectly from tourism. (PNA)
