According to the local officials, Eastern Samar's income from tourism is considerably lower compared to what other provinces get from this industry. Indeed, Eastern Samar's share of tourist arrivals to the region in 2017 hardly surpassed 5% and in 2018 the share even fell down to 4.5%. In absolute numbers, in 2017, 1.46 million travellers visited the Eastern Visayas while in 2018 the number grew to reach 1.75 million tourists.
Tourism activities in Eastern Samar are mainly centered in Guiuan town that boasts some beautiful beaches like Calicoan beach, and Sapao beach (Dumpao) as well as the historical Homomhon Island. Yet tourism potential in the northern part of the province is totally untapped and shows high potential for growth that can help boost the province's share of the regional tourist arrivals to 20% by 2022.
Historically, Eastern Samar relies on fishery and agriculture including production of coconut, copra, corn, rice, sugar, and vegetables. With tourism sector on the rise all around the world, Eastern Samar eyes joining the club of popular destinations in the Philippines, too. According to Eastern Samar Mayor Mark Biong, Eastern Samar needs “better infrastructure, more aggressive promotion, and new investments to attain tourism gains. Likewise, we have to make sure that tourism activities are sustainable and locals really benefit from it.”
Eastern Samar, Philippines, Wants More Tourists
News in Asia
Eastern Samar, a Filipino province in the Eastern Visayas region is going to attract four times more regional tourists in the next three years.