The Department of Tourism (DOT) Eastern Visayas has reported a significant rise in tourism rates in Eastern Visayas, with Samar province accounting for the highest percentage of visitor arrivals.
Samar is followed by Tacloban City, Leyte province, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Biliran accordingly.
Popular tourist destinations include Lintaon Peak in Baybay City, Canigao Island in Matalom, Leyte, Tagbak Marine Park in Southern Leyte, Caningag Mountain Park in Pintuyan, Southern Leyte, Eastern Clouds in Baybay City, Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, Natupad Beach and Pinusilan Rock Formation in Northern Samar, Quarry Cold Spring in Hinabangan, Samar, Pajo River in Macrohon, Southern Leyte, and Molopolo white sand beach in Liloan, Southern Leyte.
The DOT has identified ten significant tourist markets: the USA, China, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, and India. In 2025, the region generated P39.33 million from both foreign and domestic tourists.
When traveling, taking time to relax is crucial, which is why tourist rest areas have been constructed.
Eastern Visayas is set to have tourist rest areas; one is currently under construction in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, while another will be established in Tacloban City, although the construction for the Tacloban area has not started as the exact location is still undecided. The budget allocated for tourist rest areas is 10 million pesos.
Roads connecting the main routes to tourist destination sites have been also developed over the last several years. As of last year, 2024, the DOT reported 33 completed projects and a total of 70 road projects initiated from 2022 to 2024, with additional projects planned for this year.
The DOT said it cannot operate effectively on its own without the collaboration of other sector agencies. Numerous convergence programs exist nationally, but DOT Eastern Visayas has specific convergence initiatives with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Science Tourism: Educational Tour Program, which will be launched by the end of 2025; the Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration (DO-PPA) – Adopt a Heritage Site; and Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – development of a web-based system (TAMSTAR).
Furthermore, the year 2025 is designated as the Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” which encourages individuals to visit churches, especially the pilgrim churches located in Eastern Visayas.
Within the Archdiocese of Palo, there are eight recognized pilgrim churches: the Archdiocesan of Sto. Niño in Tacloban City, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration, and Sacred Heart Seminary Chapel in Palo, Leyte, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Burauen, Leyte, Holy Cross Parish in Carigara, Leyte, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Ormoc City, St. Francis Xavier Parish in Palompon, Leyte, and St. Francis Xavier Parish in Abuyog, Leyte.
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