MALAY, Aklan — Domestic tourists powered Boracay Island’s tourism growth in October 2026, accounting for nearly 86 percent of the 164,225 visitor arrivals as the world-famous resort destination recorded a 9-percent increase ahead of the Christmas and New Year peak season.
Data from the Malay-Boracay Tourism Office showed that 140,722 Filipino tourists visited the island during the month, far outnumbering the 22,126 foreign visitors and 1,377 overseas Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The October turnout surpassed the estimated 150,665 arrivals recorded in the same month last year, representing an increase of 13,560 visitors.
“164,225 tourists, reflecting a 9% increase compared to October 2025,” the tourism office wrote in a post.
Boracay welcomed an average of 5,298 tourists daily throughout October, underscoring the continued strength of domestic travel as the island approaches its busiest tourism months.
Tourism officials attributed the strong domestic turnout to extended long weekends, competitive airfares and corporate retreats.
Meanwhile, the steady influx of international visitors reflected the restoration of flight connections linking major regional hubs to Aklan’s entry points.
Arrivals among overseas Filipinos and OFWs are also expected to increase in November and December as Filipinos working and residing abroad return home for the holidays.
Local officials and tourism stakeholders expressed optimism that October’s performance would translate into stronger visitor arrivals during the November-to-January peak season.
Business groups likewise anticipate higher hotel occupancy and increased commercial activity in restaurants, water sports operations and retail establishments.
The latest figures reinforce the domestic market’s crucial role in sustaining Boracay’s tourism industry, even as international travel continues to recover and expand.
With the holiday travel rush approaching, tourism stakeholders expect the island’s visitor numbers to climb further, providing an additional boost to Malay’s tourism-dependent economy./PN
