Luzon Named One of the World's Top Trending Travel Spots
Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, has landed a major spot on the global travel radar. The island ranked 13th among the world's top 25 trending destinations and 23rd in Asia's Best of the Best Destinations in the latest TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2024.
Known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural mix, Luzon beat out hundreds of destinations worldwide to claim its place in this year's trending list. From coastal spots like Pagudpud to the historic streets of Vigan and the hustle of Manila nightlife, the island offers a variety of experiences that cater to every kind of traveler.
Tourism in Luzon saw over 28 million visitors in 2023
According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), Luzon welcomed 28.57 million tourists last year. Of that, around 4 million were foreign visitors, while 24.57 million were local travelers. An additional 25,000 were overseas Filipinos.
The National Capital Region (Metro Manila) was the top destination for foreign tourists, with 2.36 million international arrivals. This reflects a growing interest in the region's urban attractions, nightlife, and accessibility to other scenic locations across the island.
Why Luzon is trending worldwide
TripAdvisor highlighted Luzon's wide-ranging appeal—from natural wonders like volcanoes and rice terraces to colonial-era towns and modern cities. The platform praised the island for offering everything from nature hikes to food trips, saying travelers 'will be glad they stayed.'
Southeast Asia dominates TripAdvisor's travel lists
While London topped TripAdvisor's global list, Southeast Asia made a strong showing with six entries, including Bali, Hanoi, Bangkok, Hoi An, Siem Reap, and Phuket. In the Asia-only rankings, Osaka took the top spot, with Vietnam securing three places in the top 10.
Luzon's rise in the rankings shows the Philippines' growing presence in global tourism, and with international travel fully bouncing back, more eyes are likely to turn toward the country's unique destinations.
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