DOT-7 projects January tourist arrivals to top 300,000

The Department of Tourism in Central Visayas (DOT-7) is projecting more than 300,000 tourist arrivals in Cebu for the month of January, as the province enters one of its busiest tourism periods of the year.

DOT-7 Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas said the projection is based on long-term monitoring of arrival trends and bulk data from previous years. She shared the estimate during a press briefing on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Asis-Dimpas clarified that the expected increase in arrivals is not solely driven by the Sinulog Festival. She said many overseas Filipinos who arrived during the Christmas season are anticipated to remain in Cebu until the end of January.

“This month has consistently shown an increase in arrivals over the years,” Asis-Dimpas said, noting that tourism activity during this period is supported by various sectors, including hotels, airlines, and tour operators.

The regional tourism office is also projecting hotel occupancy rates in Cebu to range from 80 to 100 percent throughout January.

According to Asis-Dimpas, the high occupancy levels are being fueled by Sinulog 2026, extended holiday travel, and the staging of major international events.

She acknowledged that the final quarter of 2025 recorded a decline in tourist numbers due to weather-related disruptions. However, she said bookings began to rebound toward the end of the year, contributing to the positive outlook for January.

January is traditionally a peak month for Cebu tourism, Asis-Dimpas said, with arrivals further boosted by the upcoming Asean Tourism Forum 2026, which is expected to bring in additional foreign delegates and visitors to the province.

While official tourism statistics for 2025 are still being consolidated, DOT-7 estimates that Cebu recorded around 350,000 tourist arrivals, with a projected five percent increase for January this year.

Asis-Dimpas stressed that these figures remain projections, particularly as Asean-related travel activities are still ongoing.

She added that a significant number of returning visitors are coming from Australia, Hawaii, and neighboring Asian countries under the “Balik Cebu” program.

The initiative includes at least four to five flights, with around 60 scheduled arrivals. Welcome activities for returning visitors are set to be launched at Ayala Center Cebu.

The Balik Cebu program has been in place since 2017 and is implemented in coordination with the Hotel and Resort Association of Cebu (HRAC) and Cebu Pacific.

Beyond accommodations, Asis-Dimpas said tour operations across Cebu are already running at full capacity, reflecting strong demand throughout the tourism value chain.

Meanwhile, church and security officials reminded the public to observe regulations during Sinulog-related religious activities.

Rev. Fr. Jules Van V. Almerez, OSA, a member of the Basilica Secretariat and media liaison for the fluvial procession, said that the strict dress code at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño will be enforced.

“If people can dress properly for graduations or formal events, they can also dress appropriately when entering the church,” Almerez said.

For security, Port Police Inspector Jomar J. Lumapay, ground commander of the Cebu Port Authority, said authorities will strictly implement safety measures, including a no-backpack policy inside the basilica, as part of heightened security during the festivities.

Tourism stakeholders in Cebu remain optimistic that January will mark a strong start to the year, as the province hosts religious celebrations, international events, and sustained holiday travel.