While road network and connectivity remains a problem, foreign tourists continue to flock the region with French nationals frequenting the Cordillera according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The DOT in the region reported 4,968 French visited the region in 2023 followed by Americans with 4,238 while 1,971 tourist from Israel came to the region with 1,660 Koreans and 1,579 Chinese.
Jovita Ganongan, DOT – CAR regional director said the recent data underscores the diverse international appeal of the Cordillera region in attracting visitors from across the globe.
“The increasing numbers from countries like South Korea and China indicate the region’s growing popularity in Asian markets, reflecting a broader trend of globalization in tourism. These figures highlight tourism significance to the Cordillera’s economy and offer insights into emerging tourism trends and target markets,” Ganongan said.
Ganongan meanwhile said Cordillera welcomed 1,685,133 tourists in 2013 with a 31.15 percent increase compared to 2022 with 1,284,906.
Baguio City remains the region’s top tourism drawer with 1,309,930 followed by Mountain Province with 142, 219 while Kalinga welcomed 118,427 tourists last year, which saw a -17.40 decline as compared to 2022.
Apayao’s tourists arrival meanwhile saw a 155.81% increase with 4,886 visitors as compared to the 1910 recorded in 2022.
Ifugao also experienced a 122.98% growth after welcoming 42.793 tourists compared to the 19,191 in 2022.
Benguet had the biggest growth in terms of tourists arrivals with 362.03% with 66,833 compared to the 14,465 who visited the province in 2022.
“2023 witnessed a substantial increase in visitor arrivals of 31.16 percent compared to the previous year, propelled by easing travel restrictions, robust marketing efforts, and enhanced infrastructure development signaling a significant rebound in tourism activities,” said the DOT regional director.
Ganongan added the surge reflected domestic and international travelers renewed interest in exploring the Cordillera, driven by pent – up demand and a growing appetite for immerse travel experiences amidst an improving global outlook.
The Philippine Statistics Authority meanwhile said average daily expenditures of foreign tourists in the region including balikbayans is around P8,615.50 while domestic tourists or overnight visitors spend around P4,440.08. Roderick Osis