The City Tourism Department reported Monday that 450,000 visitors generated an estimated ₱22 billion in tourism receipts during the first half of 2026, adding that Puerto Princesa maintained the highest number of tourist arrivals in MIMAROPA.
Tourism receipts refer to the approximated amount spent by visitors during their trip to a certain destination.
In its 2026 accomplishment report presented during the city government’s flag-raising ceremony, the department said Puerto Princesa received 304,000 domestic tourists and 146,000 foreign tourists from January to June.
The department did not explain during the presentation how it calculated the ₱22-billion estimate.
City Tourism Officer Demetrio C. Alvior Jr. welcomed the reported gains and assured residents that his office would continue supporting the sector.
“Patuloy na makaasa ang Puerto Princesa sa tapat na paglilingkod para sa mas maunlad at matatag na industriya ng turismo sa Puerto Princesa,” Alvior said.
More than 900 tourism businesses compliant
The department also reported that its Standards and Services Division conducted 916 inspections of tourism-related enterprises during the six-month period.
Of the establishments inspected, 904 were found fully compliant with city requirements, while 334 received accreditation from the Department of Tourism.
The department also participated in the city’s Business One-Stop Shop and placed 117 tourism stakeholders under different training programs.
It said the inspections, accreditation and training were intended to improve the quality of tourism services and strengthen compliance among businesses serving visitors.
City receives 14 cruise ship arrivals
Puerto Princesa welcomed, too, the arrival of 14 cruise ships carrying 19,754 passengers and 9,562 crew members during the reporting period.
The Promotions and Marketing Division continued promoting the city through digital platforms, tourism events, travel fairs and domestic and international marketing activities.
The City Tourism Department’s Facebook page recorded 9.16 million organic views and reached 1.35 million unique viewers without paid advertising, according to the report.
The department also represented Puerto Princesa at the Philippine Travel Agencies Association TravelTour Expo, Seoul International Travel Fair in South Korea and Bangus Festival in Dagupan City.
It led local tourism activities that included Pangalipay sa Baybay and Pista ng Karagatan.
The department said these activities were part of efforts to increase recognition of Puerto Princesa as a tourism destination in domestic and international markets.
Community destinations generate ₱107M
The city currently has 22 active community-based sustainable tourism destinations, with two additional sites scheduled to open this year.
The department said the 22 destinations recorded more than 600,000 visits and generated a combined income of ₱107 million.
It also conducted the sixth community-based sustainable tourism convention, bringing together members of participating communities for training and exchanges on tourism development.
The Tourism Product Planning, Development and Statistics Division oversees the planning, research and collection of data for these destinations and other city tourism programs.
Nearly 34,000 attend MICE events
Puerto Princesa hosted 384 meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, or MICE events, attended by nearly 34,000 participants during the period.
It said the events continued to strengthen the city’s position as a MICE destination.
Hotels, restaurants, transport providers, tour operators, event suppliers and other businesses can benefit from this market because participants normally require accommodation, food, transportation and event services.
NCCA recognizes cultural inventory compliance
The city government, through the Culture and Arts Program of the City Tourism Department, also received another Certificate of Compliance from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
The recognition followed the city’s submission of its 2025 Local Cultural Inventory, which added 30 cultural properties to the city’s official records.
The department also conducted activities for National Arts Month and other culture and arts programs intended to promote local talent and preserve the heritage of Puerto Princesa.
It said the inventory, performances and cultural programs formed part of efforts to introduce the city’s art, culture and heritage to residents and visitors.
