Siargao’s tourist arrivals surge, marks stellar growth in Philippines

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

In 2023, Siargao, the country’s foremost surfing destination, experienced a significant revival, recording a 323.56% surge in tourist arrivals. This marked a substantial recovery from the downturns faced in the preceding years, attributed to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastation wrought by Super Typhoon Odette.

According to the Department of Tourism-Caraga, the island alone welcomed 529,822 visitors in 2023, a substantial rise from the 125,088 tourists registered in 2022. This influx included 476,074 domestic and 53,748 international visitors, with the latter category witnessing a remarkable 511.89% increase from the 8,784 foreign tourists in 2022.

The dramatic increase in tourist arrivals to Siargao has profound implications for airline tourism, particularly in the context of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. The surge in domestic and international visitors necessitates enhanced flight connectivity and frequency, potentially leading to the introduction of new routes or the expansion of existing ones to accommodate the growing demand.

Moreover, the international exposure garnered through events like the Siargao International Surfing Cup and accolades such as the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards positions Siargao as a compelling destination on the global tourism map. This not only attracts a broader spectrum of tourists but also encourages airlines to consider Siargao as a key destination in their network, further stimulating the region’s tourism economy. The collective efforts of the DOT and local stakeholders in improving accessibility, maintaining high standards of service, and effectively marketing Siargao contribute to creating a sustainable growth trajectory for airline tourism to the island and the broader Caraga region.

Ivonnie Dumadag, the Director of DOT-Caraga, highlighted that enhanced accessibility to Siargao significantly contributed to the uptick in tourist numbers. The Department has been diligently working to promote tourism through various initiatives, including skill development, the enforcement of standards, and marketing efforts both domestically and internationally. Dumadag emphasized the critical role of accrediting tourism enterprises in maintaining Siargao’s reputation as a premier destination, pointing out that negative experiences could be amplified through social media, potentially harming the island’s standing.

Moreover, Siargao’s appeal as a top travel destination was underscored by its ranking as the 10th best island in Asia according to Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023. In anticipation of further growth, preparations are being made for an expected larger number of tourists in 2024.

Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas II, the Representative for Surigao del Norte 1st District, mentioned ongoing preparations for the Siargao International Surfing Cup in 2024. The event will feature an upgraded 5,000 Qualifying Series (QS), a step up from the 3,000 QS in 2023, aiming to attract top surfers worldwide due to the increased prize money and points.

The Caraga region as a whole saw a total of 1.44 million tourists, marking a 98.83% growth from 725,266 in 2022. Tourism receipts for the region totaled P17.304 million, indicative of the revenue generated from various tourism-related activities and services. Dumadag noted that the DOT has tailored its strategies to the unique tourism offerings of each province in the Caraga region.

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