BACOLOD City – The number of tourist arrivals in Negros Occidental has increased by 36 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, based on new data released by the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO).
Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena said from 1.7 million in 2022, the number of tourists visiting the province would increase to 2 million in 2023.
Decena noted that the 2023 data is yet to be completed as some local government units have yet to submit their data.
PTO data further showed that last year’s tourist arrivals brought around P6 billion in income – slightly higher than the P5 billion in 2022.
Decena said 10 percent of the tourist arrivals in Negros Occidental were foreigners from the United States, South Korea, Germany, Canada, Australia, China, and Japan.
She also noted that among the most popular destinations for tourists are The Ruins and Campuestohan Resort in Talisay City, Magikland in Silay City, Sipaway Island in San Carlos City, and the Mambukal Resort in the town of Murcia.
Also included in the list of popular tourist spots are the Tomontong Eco-Trail in E.B. Magalona town and Lakawon Island in Cadiz City.
The PTO, Decena said, is also planning to assist other tourist destinations in the province by promoting their products. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
