Cebu tourist arrivals top 1 million

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Province recorded more than 1.08 million tourist arrivals from January to August 2026, a 12.78 percent increase from the same period last year, according to the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office (PTO).

PTO data showed 1,080,809 tourist arrivals during the eight-month period, 122,492 more than the 958,317 arrivals recorded from January to August 2025.

Both domestic and international markets posted growth. Domestic arrivals reached 838,575, up 9.19 percent from the previous year, while foreign arrivals rose 27.28 percent to 242,108.

The increase comes as the Cebu Provincial Government, under Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro, continues to promote Cebu as a tourism destination and push for stronger direct international air connectivity.

The provincial government has participated in travel fairs and tourism promotions nationwide to bring Cebu’s destinations and tourism experiences closer to Filipino travelers.

Baricuatro has also raised the need for improved direct international connections during official missions and engagements with foreign government officials, tourism leaders and potential tourism partners.

Connectivity was among the issues raised during Cebu’s hosting of the 19th East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation (EATOF) General Assembly in September.

Baricuatro discussed the possibility of establishing more direct flights between Cebu and EATOF member regions, saying improved connectivity could support tourism, business, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

The province has already seen the impact of expanded air connectivity with the resumption of direct flights between Cebu and Quanzhou, Fujian, China, on March 29. The twice-weekly service was restored following engagements between Cebu and Fujian officials.

Data from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) also showed continued growth in air travel. From January to July 2026, the airport handled 7,355,524 passengers, including 1,930,856 international passengers, an increase of 14 percent.

During the period, MCIA served 23 airlines—18 foreign and five local—and 44 destinations, including 16 international routes.

Provincial tourism data showed Cordova recording the highest number of tourist arrivals from January to August at 171,552, followed by Santa Fe with 120,197 and Daanbantayan with 59,435.

South Korea remained Cebu Province’s largest foreign source market with 60,518 arrivals, followed by the United States with 22,866 and Japan with 22,223.

The PTO also reported positive growth from 53 foreign markets. South Korea posted the largest increase in arrivals at 13,630, followed by China with 10,546 and the United Kingdom with 3,409.

The provincial government said it will continue tourism promotions, strengthen partnerships with the private sector and other governments, and pursue improved connectivity to make Cebu more accessible to domestic and international travelers.

Baricuatro has emphasized that tourism growth should generate economic opportunities for local businesses, hotels and resorts, tour operators, transport providers, workers and communities across the province. — /FPL (FREEMAN)