433k tourists visit Aurora on Holy Week

BALER, Aurora — Over 433,000 tourists visited Aurora province during this year's observance of Holy Week, the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) said on Sunday.

BEATING THE HEAT Crowds flock to Sabang beach, a popular ecotourism destination in Baler, Aurora, in this undated photo. The provincial government on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, said 433,194 tourists visited Aurora during the Holy Week, reflecting the province's growing appeal as a premier summer and religious destination. PNA PHOTO BY JASON DE ASIS

In its partial report, the PTO said it recorded 433,194 arrivals from April 12 to April 18.

The figure included 134,164 overnight guests and 299,030 same-day visitors.

Among Aurora's eight municipalities, Dipaculao recorded the highest number of overnight guests with 64,012, followed by Dingalan with 27,686 and Dilasag with 17,439.

In terms of same-day visitors, Dipaculao also topped the list with 93,945, followed by Dingalan with 57,988 and Casiguran with 55,704.

Baler, the provincial capital known for its beaches and surfing spots, drew a total of 5,116 overnight guests and 16,545 same-day tourists.

Tourism officials noted that while majority of the visitors were domestic travelers, 506 foreign tourists and 162 overseas Filipino guests were also recorded during the period.

Local authorities attributed the high turnout to effective promotion of Aurora's ecotourism sites, beach destinations and cultural heritage.

To ensure visitor safety and convenience, tourist assistance desks were activated in coordination with local government units and municipal tourism offices.

The desks helped manage the influx of visitors, providing information and coordinating with emergency and rescue teams when needed.

With the summer season still underway, the PTO said it continues to monitor tourist activities and reminded visitors to observe safety regulations and environmental guidelines.