Increase in tourist arrivals to continue with long holidays, DOT
Thursday, April 30, 2009
 Mt. Pinatubo Boracay Mt. MayonContact: Eduardo Jarque, Jr. Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Tel. No. 400-1993 Arrivals to key destinations significantly increased during the Holy Week, and numbers are still expected to rise over the long holidays, according to the Tourism Department. “Projections of a surge in group bookings will continue over the upcoming holidays, with the availability of affordable fares and packages. The long weekends certainly give time for tourists to extend travel plans, and an opportunity to explore the country and help spur local economic growth,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano. He added, “This is healthy not only for the tourism industry, but more importantly, it provides an avenue for families and big groups to have more meaningful recreation time together.” The Department of Tourism (DOT) Research and Statistics Division reported positive growth in key tourism areas over the Lenten Season, expected to continue throughout the year. Boracay hit a growth rate of 24.54% in tourist arrivals, compared to last year’s numbers. Hotels in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) reached an occupancy rate of 71.87%, while resorts and other tourist-related establishments in the region hit 59.69% . “The Department is thankful to the private sector for their response in the increasing demand for tourist activity by providing reasonable and family friendly-packages and exciting travel options even during peak season,” Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr. noted. In Region III, gastronomic tourism and the mystic Mt. Pinatubo enticed travelers and families as hotel occupancy surged to 7,690 for the period of April 8-12. Region IV’s statistics skyrocketed to a total of 1,248.66% growth rate for total arrivals to the Underground River, Coron, and Puerto Galera. Region V reported a total of 7,078 arrivals for duration of Lent, with Camarines Sur as the top tourist drawer. Destinations like Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, which comprise Region VII, recorded a total of 14,710 visitors. Eco-adventure establishments in Davao, Region XI, such as Philippine Eagle Foundation, Crocodile Park, Davao Wild Water Adventure, and Wind&Wave received 6,475 tourists over the same period,while arrivals in Region XII reflected a total of 28.08%. “With high tourist traffic within the country in the coming months, the Department encourages travelers to plan early to ensure the best experience,” Jarque said. Office of the Undersecretary for Planning & Promotions Department of Tourism - Manila Tel. No. 524-1694 / 400-1993 |
