TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) – Fueled by popular destinations like Lintaon Peak and the 16,000 Blossoms in Baybay City, Canigao Island in Matalom, Leyte, and Tagbak Marine Park in Liloan, Southern Leyte, Eastern Visayas tourism revenue reached P39.33 billion in 2024, a 24.8 percent increase from the previous year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported.
The region welcomed 1.66 million tourists in 2024, along with more than 5.5 million same-day guests.
During a recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum, DOT Eastern Visayas Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the 2024 figures represent a 95 percent recovery from pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the region’s resilience.
“We had a target of a 17 percent increase, and we surpassed that with 24 percent in 2024. Exceeding it again this year is something to look forward to,” Tiopes said.
The surge in tourist arrivals has directly impacted job creation, supported small businesses and contributed to local economies, Tiopes said.
Samar recorded 383,724 tourist arrivals, followed by Tacloban City with 377,612 and Leyte with 361,291. Peak seasons were June and December, with 163,062 and 152,241 arrivals, respectively.
To maintain its competitive edge, the DOT continues to develop new tourism products and enhance existing ones.
“Tourists always look for something new or something different to experience. We need to keep up in this ever-changing and very competitive industry,” Tiopes said.
The region offers “infinite escapes,” including nature and adventure tourism (“Infinite Thrills”), diving (“Infinite Dives”), surfing (“Infinite Surf Breaks”), historical and cultural heritage (“Infinite Stories”), educational tourism (“Infinite Discoveries”), cruise destinations (“Infinite Expenditures”), motorcycle tourism (“Infinite Road Trips”), culinary tourism (“Infinite Harvests and Eats”), meetings and conferences (“Infinite Meet-Ups”) and golf tourism (“Infinite Swings”). (ACR/PIA Leyte)
