The Philippines taps mountain tourism as an economic driver in the Cordillera region

The Philippine government is increasingly positioning mountain tourism as a central pillar of economic growth in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Located north of Luzon Island, the government recognizes the area’s unique combination of dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and deeply rooted indigenous cultures.

Long known for destinations such as Baguio or the Banaue Rice Terraces, the highland region is now at the heart of a broader strategy aimed at revitalizing local economies while promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

National and regional tourism authorities view mountain tourism as a way to spread economic activity beyond urban centers and coastal destinations. By drawing travelers to upland communities, the government hopes to generate jobs, stimulate small enterprises, and reduce regional inequalities. Tourism officials emphasize that growth must be carefully managed, with environmental protection and cultural preservation at the forefront of development planning.

Investment in infrastructure is a key component of this push. Road upgrades, improved transport links, and better safety measures are now being prioritized. These improvements are designed not only to boost tourism arrivals but also to benefit local residents by improving connectivity and access to essential services.

At the same time, authorities are working with local governments to enhance destination management, visitor facilities, and tourism services.

Sustainable growth rooted in culture and community

Beyond infrastructure, the government is promoting tourism products that highlight the Cordillera’s cultural heritage and natural assets. Community-based tourism initiatives, cultural immersion programs, and eco-adventure activities such as trekking, heritage walks, and farm visits are being developed to offer visitors more authentic experiences. These initiatives aim to ensure that tourism revenues flow directly to local communities, including farmers, artisans, guides, and small accommodation providers.

Visitor arrivals have steadily increased in recent years. In 2024, the Cordillera recorded a total of approximately 1,983,511 visitor arrivals, up about 17.7% from around 1,685,133 in 2023. This figure includes both domestic tourists and international visitors. However, 97.7% of all travelers to the region are so far domestic visitors. Baguio City dominates regional arrivals, accounting for roughly 75% of all tourists visiting the Cordillera in 2024. Mountain Province was second with 151,183 visitors followed by the district of Kalinga at 132,771

Beside hospitality and handicraft, tourism has also been linked more closely with agriculture and local food systems, creating new income streams for rural households and encouraging the preservation of traditional practices.

The government is also actively courting private investment through incentives and tourism enterprise zones, seeking to attract responsible investors aligned with sustainability goals. However, officials stress that development will be carefully regulated to prevent overbuilding, environmental degradation, and the erosion of indigenous identities. Authorities now hope to turn the region’s highlands into a sustainable engine of growth for decades to come.

A good opportunity to learn more about this unique spectacular region in Northern Luzon will be at the coming TRAVEX during the Asean Travel Forum 2026 in Cebu. By welcoming professionals from across the world, it should provide the right opportunity for the trade to evaluate the assets of the Cordillera. Registration for ATF2026 is still open.

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