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CALAPAN CITY — The tourism industry in the Mimaropa (Mindoro Occidental and Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) Region has bounced back, even surpassing its pre-pandemic levels, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said during a weekly forum here.
DOT Regional Director Roberto Alabado III said that the region recorded 2,806,317 tourist arrivals, representing a 135 percent recovery rate and a 35 percent growth compared to pre-pandemic.
In 2019, about 2,073,620 tourists visited the region before it was stalled by Covid-19 pandemic.
"In comparing the tourism receipt in the region, there has been a notable increase between 2019 and 2024 as well as from 2023 to 2024. In 2019, the region generated approximately P21.77 billion in tourism receipts, and by 2024, this amount rose to P41.56 billion, reflecting a growth rate of about 90.7 percent and a recovery rate of approximately 191 percent," said Alabado during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas facilitated by Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Alabado added that comparing 2024 to 2023, there was an increase of 70.78 percent in tourism receipts, indicating a continued increase and renewed confidence in the region as a premier tourism destination.
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The rebound in the industry also brought job opportunities to the workforce in the region.
According to the data of the DOT-Mimaropa, a total of 14,918 are employed in direct tourism jobs, reflecting the sector's significant contribution to the regional economy.
Employment spans various tourism-related industries, including accommodation, food services, transportation and cultural activities.
"This robust employment figure underscores the vital role of tourism in fostering economic growth and community development. Continued investment in tourism infrastructure and promotion can further enhance job creation and regional prosperity," explained Alabado.
The region also saw an increase in cruise calls. From a mere 12 cruise calls in 2019, the total cruise calls in 2024 rose to 40, including maiden cruise calls in Calapan City and Modessa Island in Roxas, Palawan, in November.
"We are expecting that before 2025 ends, we will have at least 43 cruise calls. These cruise expeditions translate to more or less 5,000 tourists per cruise call that could easily translate to more opportunities for our local entrepreneurs," Alabado said.
The total tourist arrival in the region in 2024 is 1,002,503 international tourists, 1,790,821 domestic tourists and 12,983 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) visitors.
Alabado said that the department is targeting more than 3 million tourist arrivals for the year 2025 and generating P45.7 billion in tourism receipts. They are targeting the accreditation of 760 tourism enterprises, ensuring quality services and facilities.
"Mimaropa is now one of the prime tourism destinations in the country with its well-known and diverse destinations. The region also offers cultural heritage sites that are attractive, especially to foreign tourist," Alabado said. IRE
