The Department of Tourism in Caraga (DOT-13) reported a 14.2 percent increase in tourist arrivals in 2024, with the region welcoming 1,667,504 visitors, up from the previous year.

The breakdown included 117,440 foreign tourists and 1,550,064 domestic travelers. The top five international markets were the United States, Spain, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

DOT-13 Director Ivonnie Dumadag credited the growth to local events such as MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions), festivals, and holidays, which spurred domestic travel.

“The domestic market continues to be the driver of Caraga’s tourism growth,” Dumadag said in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Thursday.

The surge in visitors generated over PHP20 billion in tourism receipts, bolstered by the efforts of 5,826 tourism frontline workers and 329 accredited tourism-related enterprises (TREs).

Dumadag emphasized that accredited TREs and tourism workers adhere to DOT standards to ensure high-quality experiences for visitors. (PNA)