The Intramuros Administration attributes the growing popularity of the landmark to a series of promotion campaigns, the opening of new attractions and the timely shifting of focus on domestic tourism what turned out to be a success.
To boost tourism, the Intramuros Administration joined hands with Manila Hotel to offer visitors exclusive tours; made use of technologies to attract the younger generation; introduced an augmented reality app to enhance visitors experience; opened nine historical churches and chapels for pilgrims last year to secure its position as a prime Lenten destination within Metro Manila.
Occupying the area of 0.67 square kilometres, Intramuros was the seat of government and political power during the Spanish Colonial period. Today it remains the only district of Manila where the Spanish influences abound. Intramuros is home to a number of famous monuments, including Fort Santiago, built in the 16th century and designated as a National Historical Landmark in 1951. This February, the Fort alone attracted some 10,000 visitors daily, a whooping increase from 500 a day it saw in February 2019.
During the whole 2019, 3.7 million tourists visited Intramuros and the number is expected to rise in 2020.
Visitors Up in Intramuros, Manila
News in Asia
Visitor numbers in Intramuros, Manila's historic walled city, are on the rise and look totally inaffected by the overall slowdown in tourism caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.