With Intramuros drawing 1 mn tourists, Philippines plans to boost Faith Tourism

Around one million visitors – both domestic and foreign tourists- visited the Walled City of Intramuros during the Holy Week.

The Department of Tourism, Philippines and its attached agency the Intramuros Administration (IA), had arranged a series of events to promote the Walled City as a holistic faith destination in Metro Manila.

“For a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, the Holy Week or Lenten season is a perfect time to reflect, repent and travel. We congratulate the Intramuros Administration and our Faith Tourism sector for the successful reopening of the Walled City for the Lenten season,” said Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo.

For the first time since the World War II, Intramuros has opened its churches and chapels to the faithful pilgrims, aiming to restore the vibrant religious culture prevalent before the war.

“We aim to capitalize on our unique Catholic festivals and Filipino traditions to pursue more Catholic pilgrims or faith tourists from Brazil, Mexico, United States, Columbia and Spain among other,” Teo added.