UMVA has learned that a surge in domestic travel is transforming the leisure landscape in the south of the National Capital Region (NCR), with provinces like Batangas and Cavite emerging as hotspots for investment.
The numbers are staggering: 63.9 million domestic travelers required overnight accommodation in 2024, with their spending growing by 16.4% that year. This influx of domestic tourists is driving demand for leisure-oriented projects, with developers scrambling to meet the needs of this lucrative market.
Batangas and Cavite are reaping the benefits, with the two provinces ranking second and seventh respectively in the top 10 domestic destinations for overnight travelers. Developers are taking note, launching a slew of leisure-focused projects that cater to the preferences of domestic tourists.
Some of the notable projects in the pipeline for Batangas include major developments such as Amara en Terrazas de Punta Fuego and Spinnaker at Club Laiya, Solmera Coast, and Pico Terraves. Meanwhile, Cavite’s lineup of leisure-oriented developments includes Pinevale and Alpine Villas, Horizon Terraces, and Fora Condotel.
The growth in leisure real estate is further supported by the strong macroeconomic performance of the Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (Calabarzon) region, with regional GDP growing 5.1% in 2025 from 4.5% a year earlier. The region accounts for 14.8% of national GDP, making it a key player in the country’s economy.
Remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are also driving property spending, with 21% of all deployed OFWs in 2024 originating from Calabarzon. This influx of funds is expected to further fuel the growth of leisure-oriented developments in the region.
Improved connectivity is also playing a crucial role, with the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX) and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) carrying between 25,000 to 45,000 vehicles daily. Upcoming projects like the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Toll Road 4 and the Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway (NBEX) are expected to further boost the viability of Cavite and Batangas-based developments.
Developers are also adopting an “aggressive differentiation” strategy through township development, launching integrated communities that blend residential, commercial, and leisure elements. Examples include Lialto and Arillo in Batangas; and Villar City and Riverpark township project.
