Pangasinan Is Booming: Why This Northern Gem Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List

If you are craving a mix of beach escapes, cultural spots, and food adventures without flying out of the country, it is time to look north. Pangasinan is fast becoming one of the most exciting travel destinations in the Philippines, and the recent tourism numbers prove it.

Also read: Bali-Inspired Masamirey Cove Resort in Pangasinan

Pangasinan is welcoming millions

Image credit: T3n60 | Wikimedia commons

Tourism in Pangasinan is on a serious rise. In 2023, the province recorded more than 8.4 million visitors, up from 6.8 million in 2022. Some reports even say the number reached over 9 million when overnight stays were included. This year, the momentum continues. The province has already welcomed around 8.7 million day tourists and nearly 431,000 overnight guests.

Where are people going in Pangasinan?

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Here are some of the province’s most visited and most talked about destinations:

Manaoag

Known for spiritual travel, Manaoag drew over 5.2 million visitors in 2023. Its popularity is largely thanks to its religious importance and its easy access via TPLEX, which makes it a convenient stop for day trips.

Bolinao

With white-sand beaches, waterfalls, scenic rivers, and a giant clam sanctuary, Bolinao had around 645,000 visitors last year. Its growing resort scene is also drawing more beach lovers.

Alaminos City

Famous for the Hundred Islands National Park, this city welcomed approximately 520,000 visitors. Island hopping, snorkelling, and sightseeing are some of the top activities here.

Lingayen

As the provincial capital, Lingayen is more than just a government centre. It is also a cultural hotspot that saw about 378,000 visitors. Events like Pista’y Dayat and the presence of local museums add to its charm.

Binalonan

A growing favourite for family getaways and slow weekends, Binalonan attracted around 377,000 tourists. It is also known for supporting small and local businesses.

Other destinations such as Dasol, Burgos, San Fabian, Natividad, Sta Maria, Asingan, and Malico village in San Nicolas are quickly growing in popularity too. These places offer a mix of festivals, birdwatching, biking trails, beach stays, agri-tourism, and food trips, each with its own local flair.

What is driving all the attention?

Image credit: Ramon FVelasquez | Wikimedia commons

Pangasinan’s tourism rise is not just a happy accident. The provincial government, led by Governor Ramon Guico III, is actively developing five key tourism areas. These include Manaoag, Bolinao, Alaminos, Lingayen, and Malico in San Nicolas.

There are also exciting infrastructure projects underway. A lakeside boardwalk park is being built near the Provincial Capitol, and a Tourist Rest Area is in the works too. This facility will offer information and convenience for travellers, made possible through a partnership with the Department of Tourism and TIEZA. The agreement for this was signed in February 2025.

Pangasinan has also been recognised as the best in tourism planning across Region 1. It is a big achievement that came alongside a jump in registered tourism-related businesses, growing from 230 to 355 in just one year.

Fresh ideas and more reasons to go

Pangasinan is not stopping at popular spots. It is also working on new experiences for travellers. These include cycling tours, birdwatching, farm visits, culinary adventures, and Marian pilgrimages. The province is actively promoting these through tourism fairs, digital campaigns, and cultural arts events.

The goal is clear. Pangasinan wants to exceed its pre-pandemic record of 10 million tourists. At this rate, that target is very much within reach.

Also read: 10 Stunning Beaches and Waterfalls in Pangasinan

What comes next?

Image credit: Ramon FVelasquez | Wikimedia commons

The only challenge now is keeping up with the demand. There is an urgent need for more hotels, better transport options, and new facilities to support the growing number of visitors. For local investors or entrepreneurs, this could be the perfect time to get involved in Pangasinan’s tourism boom.

Final thoughts

Whether you are planning a beach break, a food trip, or a cultural retreat, Pangasinan has something for every kind of traveller. With strong planning, ongoing development, and a whole lot of natural and cultural charm, this province is ready to take centre stage.

Now might be the perfect time to experience Pangasinan before it becomes everyone’s go-to destination.