Bacolod surpasses PHP 6.5B in tourism receipts for 2025

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod City continues to strengthen its position as a rising tourism destination, posting a 4.83 percent increase in visitor arrivals in 2025 and generating more than PHP 6.5 billion in tourism receipts.

According to the City Tourism Office, Bacolod welcomed 873,573 local and international visitors in 2025, up from 833,345 arrivals in 2024.

Data from hotels and accommodation establishments revealed that domestic tourism grew by 5.11 percent, reaching 813,625 visitors, while foreign arrivals rose by 2.21 percent to 60,525.

Tourism receipts for the year totaled PHP 6,551,812,500, underscoring the sector’s significant contribution to the local economy.

The strongest performance was recorded in October during the MassKara Festival, followed by November and December, while June, July, and September posted comparatively lower returns.

The city also experienced a remarkable surge in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) activity, with attendees increasing by 77 percent, from 157,126 in 2024 to 279,200 in 2025, highlighting the city’s growing appeal as a venue for business events and large-scale gatherings.

Harold Geronimo, vice president for public relations and media affairs at Megaworld and member of the City Tourism Council representing the real estate sector, expressed optimism about the city’s tourism direction under Mayor Greg Gasataya’s leadership.

He emphasized that prioritizing tourism development creates a ripple effect that benefits local businesses, hotels, and artisans.

Geronimo also noted that while challenges remain, particularly in transportation costs and infrastructure such as road conditions and lighting, there is strong collaboration between the local government and private stakeholders to address these issues.