The Economy in Palawan

Historically the economy of Palawan is based in fishing and agriculture, particularly the
growing of rice, corn and coconut but in recent years the economy has been boosted by the growth of tourism on the island.

Cities like Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron have experienced a surge in tourism, and in
2023 the island hosted approximately 1.5 million visitors (of which just under 0.9m were
domestic tourists). This resulted in a 1.5% growth across the island, and almost 11%
growth in the island’s capital Puerto Princesa. The fastest growth was seen in the
accommodation and food service industries, which grew by 39%.

The local government has invested heavily in the development of infrastructure to support
tourism, with the expansion of Puerto Princesa International Airport to allow larger and
more frequent flights. Road improvements have improved transport across the island,
boosting economic growth in remote areas by making it easier for goods and services to
reach smaller communities. The construction of additional seaports, as well the upgrade of
existing ports has boosted trade with other regions, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and fishing.

In an effort to ensure the long-term growth of the island, the government and local
stakeholders have invested in several sustainable development initiatives, including
environmental protection programmes at popular tourist sites, waste management reforms,
marine protection zones, and renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power
installations. These efforts aim to support economic growth while preserving the island’s
unique natural resources.