CATBALOGAN, Philippines – Tourism in Catbalogan City has fully rebounded from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2024 tourism statistics showing a remarkable recovery, according to a report shared during the 1st Quarter Joint Council Meeting of the Catbalogan City Tourism Council (CTC) and the Local Culture & Arts Council (LCAC) on February 20, 2025.
Ador Hurtado, head of the Catbalogan City Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Information Office (CTCAIO), revealed that the city’s tourism sector has not only recovered but has “surpassed pre-pandemic figures, with a 107.22% increase in overnight arrivals compared to 2019.”
The data, sourced from local accommodation establishments, shows that domestic tourists make up 99% of the arrivals, with both domestic and international numbers exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
This surge, according to Hurtado, marks the culmination of a gradual recovery that began in 2021, following the sharp decline in 2020 due to the pandemic. The gradual easing of restrictions, combined with higher vaccination rates and growing immunity, has contributed to the steady increase in tourism numbers over the past few years.
A key factor in the city’s tourism recovery has been the consistent monitoring and expansion of tourism sites. From 2021 to 2024, the number of day tourists steadily rose, thanks in part to the efficient collection and submission of statistics. The city also benefitted from seasonal attractions, such as the popular Calvary Hill during Semana Santa, and the opening of new tourist destinations like Sky City in 2023 and Seaside City during the Manaragat Festival in 2024. These sites attracted thousands of visitors, further boosting the city’s tourism numbers.
Another significant growth area has been the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. With a noticeable uptick in 2023, MICE events in Catbalogan City saw continued growth in 2024, driven by increased facility availability and stricter monitoring of event spaces. This growth reflects the city’s rising appeal as a destination for business and corporate events.
Mayor Dexter Uy, a strong advocate for tourism development, expressed his support for these achievements, noting that tourism is one of his key priorities under the #KahusayKatbalogan flagship program. The city’s progress aligns with the goals set forth in the City Tourism and Cultural Heritage Master Development Plan (CTCHMDP), ensuring sustainable growth in line with the city’s 2024 Derecho Uswag Catbalogan Vision.
With a thriving tourism sector, Catbalogan City is well on its way to becoming a leading destination in the region once again. | via Ricky J. Bautista
