BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The number of tourists visiting this city is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels next year.
Estimates from the City Tourism Office (CTO) showed that tourist arrivals in the city could hit 500,000, higher than the 400,000 target set by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
CTO head Ma. Teresa Manalili said they are confident of hitting the target as they still have November and December.
During October’s 43rd MassKara Festival, an estimated 184,000 tourists joined the festivities. This was an “excellent sign” that the city was on its way to recovery, said Manalili.
So far in Western Visayas, only Boracay Island has reached the pre-pandemic tourist arrival threshold with 1,473,158 arrivals as of Nov. 6.
DOT-Western Visayas director Cristine Mansinares expects more arrivals in the coming weeks after the government eased travel protocols for foreigners./PN
