Tourism officials in Negros Oriental have noted an increase in the number of foreign and local tourists from January to March, compared to the same period last year.
Data presented during a Strategic Tourism Road Map Project held last week showed that from the 17.9 percent increase in tourist arrivals from January to March in 2016-2017, Negros Oriental is currently enjoying a 24.9 percent increase for the first three months of this year compared to the first three months last year.
Dr. Mike Yuan, resource person tapped by the Provincial Tourism Office, said tourists who come to Negros Oriental mainly visit Dumaguete, Apo Island in Dauin, and the town of Valencia.
He said after the three destinations, tourists prefer to go to Siquijor.
Yuan suggested that because of these findings, Siquijor and Negros Oriental should embark on a concerted tourism promotion effort.
Provincial tourism consultant Erwin Macias, meanwhile, told the MetroPost that more tourist arrivals may be felt in Negros Oriental next month with the closure of Boracay on Apri 26.
Macias also said that according to a survey, there is an equal proportion of foreign and local tourists who visit the Province.
The survey showed that Americans, Chinese and Koreans comprise the biggest number of tourists, in that order, who come to Negros Oriental primarily to do photography, snorkeling and diving.
The number one driving factor for tourism in Negros Oriental is the internet, Macias said, citing the result of their survey. This is followed by word of mouth or recommendations from friends or family.
Macias said that to sustain the tourism industry, the Province is working with its partners to improve police visibility, accommodation standards and the services of tricycle drivers.
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