SOUTH COTABATO— The Province of South Cotabato continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the leading tourism destinations in Region XII, as the latest data released by the Department of Tourism Regional Office XII revealed a remarkable increase in tourist arrivals for 2025.
Known as the “Land of the Dreamweavers,” South Cotabato recorded a total of 2,093,945 same-day tourist arrivals based on the latest figures from DOT XII, following Sarangani province.
Of the total number, 2,088,959 were domestic tourists while 4,986 were foreign visitors, reflecting the province’s growing popularity not only among local travelers but also among international tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences and nature-based adventures.
The impressive tourism performance demonstrates the province’s continued ability to attract visitors through its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural attractions, and peaceful environment.
Argie Ryan Asaria, Senior Tourism Operations Officer, said the numbers indicate that South Cotabato remains one of the preferred travel destinations in Region XII, contributing significantly to the local economy and livelihood opportunities for communities across the province.
“Foreign tourists continue to visit the province because of its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity. From scenic mountain landscapes and waterfalls to vibrant festivals and indigenous traditions, South Cotabato offers experiences that cannot easily be found elsewhere in the country,” Asaria said.
The province is home to several iconic tourist attractions that continue to draw visitors throughout the year. These include the majestic Lake Holon, often recognized as one of the cleanest lakes in the country, and the enchanting Seven Falls in Lake Sebu, which remains a favorite destination for eco-tourists and adventure seekers.
Asaria said the province is likewise recognized for preserving and promoting the culture and traditions of its indigenous peoples, particularly the Tboli tribe, famously known for their intricate dream-inspired weaving traditions.
“The vibrant arts, music, and craftsmanship of the Tboli people continue to captivate both local and international tourists, further strengthening South Cotabato’s identity as the “Land of the Dreamweavers,” he explained.
Meanwhile, according to Arts, Culture, Tourism and Museum Unit Promotions Head Francis Cerbo, the province’s consistent tourism growth can also be attributed to improvements in infrastructure, facilities, and tourism-related services in various destinations.
“Resorts, parks, cultural sites, and eco-tourism areas have continued to innovate and upgrade their services to provide safer, more convenient, and more memorable experiences for visitors,” Cerbo said.
Richie Matunding, Administrative Aide IV, said data from the first quarter of 2026 already showed encouraging signs for the tourism industry, with 486,300 tourists recorded from January to March alone.
“We are optimistic that the province will surpass previous tourism figures as more travelers continue to explore destinations in South Cotabato,” he said. s
Provincial leaders also emphasized the role of peace and order in sustaining tourism growth in the area. Under the leadership of Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., the provincial government has intensified efforts to maintain security, improve public services, and strengthen tourism programs aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience for visitors.
Governor Tamayo has consistently highlighted tourism as one of the key drivers of economic development in the province. Through strengthened partnerships between local government units, tourism stakeholders, and community organizations, the province continues to create programs that support sustainable tourism while protecting the environment and preserving cultural heritage.
Local business owners and tourism operators have likewise welcomed the increase in tourist arrivals, noting that the continuous influx of visitors creates more opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and community-based tourism initiatives. Restaurants, resorts, transport services, souvenir shops, and local artisans are among those benefiting from the steady growth of the tourism sector.
As the province continues to gain recognition among travelers, officials remain confident that South Cotabato will sustain its position as one of the top tourism destinations in Region XII in the coming years. With continuous innovations, strengthened peace and order initiatives, and the unwavering support of local communities, the “Land of the Dreamweavers” is poised to attract even more visitors from across the Philippines and around the world.
