THE Badian town in the southern part of Cebu is now richer by P560 million after recording a 96 percent increase in tourist arrivals in 2024 - the highest since 2021.
This increase in the number of tourists has led to the creation of more jobs in Badian, especially on the number of tourist guides which nearly doubled compared to the previous year.
Badian Municipal Tourism Officer Earl Endab said with the increase of tourist arrivals, the demands for tourist guides also increased.
Endab said the tourist guides in Badian has now reached 1,344 from 700 in the prior year.
Endab said the 494,657 tourist arrivals recorded in 2024 is the “highest after the pandemic.”
In 2023, Badian recorded 252,200 tourist arrivals, while in 2022, it recorded 153,297.
“This increase in tourism has opened up more jobs, especially for locals. Many Badianganons who previously moved to the city for work have returned home because of the employment opportunities now available in the tourism sector,” Endab said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
According to the Badian Public Information Office, through its Facebook page, the increase in tourism visits can be attributed to the revitalization of Badian’s key attractions, including Kawasan Falls, Lambug Beach, and the canyoneering experience.
Endab said based on their 2024 record, Kawasan Falls had 127,630 visitors, Lambug Beach had 102,112, and Canyoneering activities had 264,915.
Of the total recorded tourist visits, 248,237 were domestic while 246,420 were international.
Badian Mayor Carmencita Lumain described the increase as “record-breaking.”
“This record-breaking year for Badian illustrates our community’s passion and the success of our tourism initiatives,” said Lumain.
“Moving forward, we hope to maintain this progress while also maintaining the sustainability of our natural resources and community empowerment,” she added.
Last 2023, the Kawasan Falls was closed for four months, from June to October, by the order of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia due to the discovery of debris and damaged structures which were abandoned more than a year after the Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) which struck Cebu in December 2021.
When Kawasan Falls reopened to the public in October, the rate for the canyoneering activities was increased by 25 percent, or from P1,500 to P2,000 per person. / CDF
