ILOILO City – Western Visayas is proving that it is more than just Boracay Island, as emerging destinations drive a 10.25 percent increase in tourist arrivals in 2024, generating P74 billion in revenue, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).
While Aklan — home to the world-famous island — still led in total arrivals with over 2.2 million, its growth from 2023 to 2024 was marginal at just 0.09 percent.
Instead, other parts of the region saw impressive gains, with Capiz leading at 43.73 percent increase, and Iloilo City surpassing the one-million mark in tourist arrivals.
“These achievements stemmed from strategic initiatives championed by the DOT focused on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability,” said DOT-6 regional director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez.
A notable portion of the market also came from international travelers and overseas Filipinos, with 603,171 foreign visitors contributing P10.96 billion in revenue.
The cruise tourism sector also remained strong, with Boracay receiving 17,292 passengers from nine cruise calls throughout 2024.
“As of February this year, we have already received seven cruises, including two maiden cruises with around 12,654 passengers,” Rodriguez added.
Despite the regional boom, Boracay continues to face challenges, particularly concerns over tourism-related fees. Stakeholders are now calling for a review of the island’s pricing structure amid fears that excessive charges could dampen visitor enthusiasm.
The latest data highlights a shifting dynamic in Western Visayas tourism, where interest in emerging destinations is reshaping the region’s appeal beyond its most famous island.
Last year’s 5,909,568 tourist arrivals in the region were even higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic tourist arrivals of 5.8 million.
Of these tourist arrivals in 2024, the bulk was domestic tourists at 5,303,227; followed by foreign visitors at 569,947; and overseas Filipino at 33,224.
Here’s the breakdown of the region’s 2024 tourist arrivals and their respective receipts:
* Aklan – 2,202,023 tourists (P42,929,563,441.74)
* Antique – 210,301 tourists (P948,209,600)
* Capiz – 282,929 tourists (P1,002,853,140)
* Guimaras – 137,953 tourists (P455,127,156.80)
* Iloilo – 358,475 (P3,940,269,644)
* Negros Occidental – 883,514 (P7,925,120,580)
* Bacolod City – 833,345 (P7,570,758,090)
* Iloilo City – 1,001,028 (P9,402,029,700)
In Aklan, the bulk of tourists proceeded to Boracay – 2,077,977 (domestic at 1,641,078; foreign at 412,803’ and overseas Filipinos at 24,096).
During pandemic lockdown, Boracay’s tourist arrivals reached just 211,397 in 2020 and 330,622 in 2021.
“These achievements stemmed from strategic initiatives championed by the DOT focused on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability,” said Regional Director Rodriguez.
She stressed the importance of accessibility; among the country’s regions, Western Visayas has the most number of airports.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAA) -Western Visayas data showed 7,870,793 total passenger traffic in 2024 (six airports in the region combined):
* Iloilo Airport – 2,503,573 passengers
* Kalibo International Airport – 532,186 passengers
* Caticlan Airport (MPH) Godofredo P. Ramos Airport – 2,771,337 passengers
* Bacolod-Silay Airport – 1,681,196 passengers
* Antique Javier (EUQ) Eveio Javier Airport – 17,626 passengers
* Roxas City Airport – 364,875 passengers
Rodriguez said the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028 is expected to further improve Western Visayas tourism. This plan has three strategies – connectivity, convenience and (e)quality.
Here are the seven objectives of the tourism development plan:
* improvement of tourism infrastructure and accessibility
* cohesive and comprehensive digitalization and connectivity
* enhancement of overall tourist experience
* equalization of tourism product development and promotion
* diversification of portfolio through multidimensional tourism
* maximization of domestic and international tourism
* strengthening tourism governance through close collaboration with national and local stakeholders/PN
