Boracay anchors Western Visayas tourism as arrivals drop but receipts hold firm in Q3 2025

By: John Dela Cruz

Boracay Island- Tourist arrivals in Western Visayas declined significantly in the third quarter of 2025, yet tourism revenues remained resilient—largely anchored by the continued strong performance of Boracay Island, the region’s flagship destination.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI, as published by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, show that total tourist arrivals in the region fell by 39 percent year-on-year compared with the same period in 2024. The downturn was mainly due to lower arrivals from traditional foreign markets in East Asia and North America, which have historically supplied a large share of international visitors.

Despite the drop in volume, the report highlights a positive structural shift in the foreign market mix. Emerging source markets—including Australia, the United Kingdom, India, Canada, and Russia—posted increased arrivals, reflecting the impact of DOT’s targeted promotions and market diversification efforts. This transition signals a gradual broadening of Western Visayas’ international tourism base.

Tourism receipts for the third quarter reached ₱11.93 billion, only slightly below the second quarter of 2025. The relatively stable revenue performance, despite fewer tourists, points to stronger visitor spending and sustained demand for higher-value tourism products. Boracay Island continued to lead this performance, supported by focused campaigns for leisure travel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities.

Domestic tourism remained the sector’s primary pillar. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of total tourism receipts were generated by local travelers, underscoring the importance of the Philippine market in sustaining regional tourism amid global uncertainty. This also reinforces the need to further strengthen domestic marketing in an increasingly competitive regional tourism landscape.

Looking ahead, industry stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic for the final quarter of 2025. The onset of the cold season in North Asia, combined with holiday travel and Boracay’s strong brand appeal, is expected to support higher arrivals toward year-end.

While the decline in tourist arrivals reflects ongoing external challenges, the steady tourism receipts and the rise of new foreign markets suggest that Western Visayas—led by Boracay—is adapting by focusing on market diversification, value-driven travel, and a strong domestic base to sustain growth.