(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – Catbalogan City’s tourism industry has made a remarkable comeback, with visitor arrivals in 2024 soaring 107.22% above pre-pandemic levels, according to the City Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Information Office (CTCAIO).
CTCAIO head Ador Hurtado reported that tourism receipts reached P713.03 million in 2024, surpassing the P617.54 million recorded in 2019. The increase is driven by higher daily tourist spending, which rose to P5,902 from P5,480 in 2019.
“This significant growth is driven by several factors, including the ease of travel following the pandemic, improved tourism facilities, heightened interest in Catbalogan’s attractions, and the strong support of the local government,” Hurtado said in an online interview Monday, Feb. 24.
Record-Breaking Tourist Arrivals
Data from accommodation establishments show that overnight arrivals in 2024 have surpassed 2019 levels, with both domestic and foreign visitors returning in strong numbers. Domestic tourists accounted for 99% of total arrivals, further solidifying the city’s status as a key travel hub.
The number of day visitors skyrocketed to 646,741 in 2024, a dramatic increase from just 10,893 in 2019. Officials attributed this to improved tourism monitoring, expanded data collection at more sites, and additional personnel for visitor management.
Top Tourist Attractions and Events
Catbalogan City’s most visited sites include city plaza and Rizal Statue;Imelda Park; and Buri Baras Beach.
Meanwhile, major annual events driving tourist influx include Manaragat Festival (August); Semana Santa and Alumni Festival (summer); and Kapaskohan ha Katbalogan (December).
The city’s rising profile as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) corridor in Region 8 has also boosted visitor traffic, with the Department of Tourism recognizing its potential in this sector.
Hurtado credited Mayor Dexter Uy’s administration for its strong tourism support, helping the city emerge as one of Eastern Visayas’ fastest-growing tourism markets.
“The numbers speak for themselves—Catbalogan is not just recovering; it is thriving,” Hurtado said. “With sustained efforts and strategic planning, we envision a more vibrant and sustainable tourism industry for our city.”
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
