Higher costs dampen Undas travel to Oriental Mindoro

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Travelers heading to Oriental Mindoro for the Undas holiday period faced a steep financial barrier this year, with rising transportation costs and increased terminal fees at Batangas International Port dampening tourism to the province. Montenegro Shipping Lines, Inc. reported that passenger volumes during the peak holiday season were significantly lower than previous years, reflecting the impact of higher fares on visitor decisions.

The combined effect of increased ferry ticket prices and elevated port terminal charges has made travel to the popular destination considerably more expensive for Filipino families and tourists seeking to spend the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day holidays in the province. Port facility improvements and operational costs have been cited as reasons for the fee increases, though the higher expenses have evidently discouraged some would-be travelers from making the journey.

Local tourism stakeholders expressed concern over the downturn in visitor arrivals during what is traditionally a peak travel period. Industry observers suggest that the cost increases may have prompted some travelers to choose alternative destinations or forego trips altogether, with potential implications for the province's tourism-dependent economy during an important holiday season.