For decades, travelers from around the world have been drawn to the Philippines — its white-sand beaches, vibrant festivals, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
And when it comes to the country’s most visited destinations, two regions stand above the rest.
Central Visayas and Calabarzon.
A recent study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) revealed that these regions have been the top choices for both foreign and domestic tourists over the past two decades.
The findings come from a comprehensive report titled “Philippine Tourism Sectoral Review (2000 to 2025): From Promise to Power.”
The numbers tell a powerful story about how tourism has shaped the country’s economy — and how Filipinos themselves continue to fuel its growth.
Central Visayas leads foreign arrivals
According to the study, Central Visayas has welcomed the highest number of international tourists in the country from 2000 to 2024.
Over that period, the region attracted an impressive 31.5 million foreign visitors.
Much of this growth has been driven by globally loved destinations such as Cebu and Bohol — two islands known for their stunning beaches, world-class diving spots, and vibrant cultural heritage.
Following Central Visayas is the National Capital Region, which received 19.6 million international visitors during the same period.
Despite being primarily known as the country’s business hub, Metro Manila remains a major entry point for travelers exploring the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Western Visayas, home to the world-famous island of Boracay, recorded 11.8 million foreign arrivals.
Boracay’s international reputation as a tropical paradise has played a huge role in bringing visitors to the region year after year.
Other regions also made strong appearances on the list.
The Bicol Region welcomed 8.8 million international tourists, followed by Central Luzon with 8.3 million visitors.
Meanwhile, Mimaropa — which includes the globally renowned destination of Palawan — along with Calabarzon, recorded a combined 8.2 million foreign arrivals.
However, the study noted that some regions in Mindanao, including Soccsksargen and Zamboanga, received fewer foreign visitors.
According to the report, this is partly due to lingering perceptions and image concerns that continue to affect tourism in these areas.
Calabarzon dominates domestic tourism
While Central Visayas leads international arrivals, another region shines brightly when it comes to local travel.
Calabarzon — composed of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon — has become the most popular destination for Filipino travelers.
Between 2008 and 2024, the region welcomed an astonishing 77.5 million domestic tourists.
Its proximity to Metro Manila makes it an easy escape for weekend trips, family outings, and short vacations.
From Batangas’ beaches to Laguna’s hot springs and Rizal’s scenic mountain views, the region offers countless attractions just a few hours away from the capital.
Trailing behind Calabarzon is Central Visayas, which recorded 60.1 million domestic travelers.
Many of these visitors traveled to Cebu and Bohol, both known for their mix of leisure, culture, and island adventures.
The Bicol Region ranked next with 56.1 million local tourists, followed by Central Luzon with 44.1 million and the Davao Region with 43 million domestic visitors.
Tourism partnerships driving growth
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the strong performance of Central Visayas reflects years of collaboration between communities, government agencies, and the private sector.
According to Frasco, the region’s success highlights the power of community-based tourism development.
“Central Visayas affirms the strength of sustained public-private partnerships among national agencies, local governments, industry stakeholders, and host communities,” she said.
The region is now seeing renewed tourism momentum.
Cebu, in particular, is accelerating its recovery and strengthening its reputation as a premier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
This progress follows the successful hosting of major international events, including the ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026.
Meanwhile, Bohol continues to expand its tourism opportunities, supported by improved international flight connections.
The power of Filipino travelers
Frasco also emphasized that domestic tourism plays a vital role in sustaining the country’s tourism industry.
“In the Philippines, domestic tourism is just as important — if not more important — than international arrivals,” she said.
Filipino travelers continue to fuel economic activity across the country by supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and boosting local economies.
In 2024 alone, Calabarzon recorded more than 10.86 million overnight travelers.
Of this number, 10.68 million were domestic tourists, while 182,804 were overseas Filipinos and foreign visitors.
A booming tourism economy
The strength of domestic tourism in the Philippines is now drawing global attention.
The country currently ranks number one in Southeast Asia in terms of domestic tourism spending, accounting for more than one-third of the region’s total.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, domestic tourism spending in the Philippines reached USD63.4 billion in 2024.
That figure is expected to rise even further — with projections reaching USD70.8 billion in 2025.
A journey that continues
From the beaches of Cebu to the mountains of Rizal, from the turquoise waters of Palawan to the volcano views of Bicol — tourism in the Philippines continues to evolve.
And as millions of travelers explore the country year after year, one thing remains clear:
The beauty of the Philippines is not just attracting visitors from around the world.
It’s inspiring Filipinos themselves to rediscover the wonders of their own home.
