Tourism Trends In Barili, Cebu (2023–2024): Balancing Visitor Growth With Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

This study investigates the shift in domestic and international tourism in Barili, Cebu, from 2023 to 2024 by analyzing Monthly Visitor Attraction Records. It highlights a steady increase in tourist arrivals, particularly domestic visitors, with significant activity at attractions like Sayaw Beach Resort, Mantayupan Falls, and Anahaw Beach Resort. The rise in nature-based and adventure tourism reflects changing visitor preferences post-pandemic. While this growth benefits the local economy, it presents challenges in infrastructure capacity, environmental impact, and resource management.Tourism-related water and energy consumption in the Philippines increased by over 100% in 2023 (PSA, 2024), a trend reflected in Barili’s rising demand. This underscores the need for sustainable tourism strategies, including carrying capacity assessments, improved waste management, and eco-friendly infrastructure. The study recommends enhancing underperforming attractions, marketing initiatives, and local stakeholder collaboration to ensure resilience and sustainability. Findings provide actionable insights for policymakers to balance tourism growth with environmental conservation in Barili.