The City of Dumaguete has a new tourism branding called “Dumaguete is simply the place to be,” according to city tourism officer Woodrow Maquiling, Jr.
“Rest assured when you’re in Dumaguete you will definitely be charmed and experience the fun,” he said.
Unknown to many, the city generated more than P15 million in tourism-related income last year compared to only P2.5 million in 2007.
This year, it has already posted more than P13.8 million with five months to go before the end of the year from more than 100 tourism-related restaurants and from 23 travel and tour operators.
The increase represents 92.42 percent in collection efficiency from the industry, Maquiling said.
Tourist arrivals for Dumaguete last year was placed at 207,971 for both international and domestic tourists, the biggest market of which are Americans followed by visitors from China, United Kingdom, Japan and Korea.
Unfortunately, the first two quarters of this year has registered a slight decrease with 110,146 tourist arrivals only.
Maquiling stressed the need to strengthen the monitoring system in major entry and exit points such as the airports and the seaports for a more accurate data collection.
Non-disclosure of actual hotel bookings had reached the authorities including the Bureau of Internal Revenue, he said.
To date, the City has a total of 60 accommodation establishments with 1,376 rooms. Bethel Guest House is the only Department of Tourism-accredited hotel.
Earlier this year, three new AEs opened, namely, Go Hotel, Island Leisure Hotel & Spa, and U Pension. Later this year, a 10-storey Hotel Essencia along Real Street will open with as many as 150 rooms available. (PNA) LAP/jfp/Juancho Gallarde
