Central Visayas tourist arrivals reach 3.5M as of end-October

CEBU, Philippines – Tourist arrivals in Central Visayas hit 3.5 million as of end-October this year.

Data released by the Department of Tourism (DoT) to the media on Monday showed the tourist count in Region 7 rose 4.12% in the first 10 months of the year to 3.5 million from 3.4 million in same period last year.

During the period, the growth in local visitors, however, was slightly down by 0.58% to 2.01 million from 2.02 million last year.

The number of foreign tourists, on the other hand, increased 11.20% to 1.5 million from 1.3 million.

The National Economic and Development Authority in Region 7 projected that the surge in visitors in Central Visayas was expected in the last quarter of this year in time for the Christmas holiday.

In an earlier interview, NEDA Regional Director Efren Carreon said Cebu's hosting of some Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings last August to October had significantly boosted tourist arrivals.

He said the rise in tourist count is one of the positive economic indicators that point to a stronger growth in the regional economy this year.

Korea remains the region's main source of foreign tourists, accounting for 44% of the total foreign visitor market. It is followed by Japan, USA, China, Australia, United Kingdom and Germany.

Cebu, the regional center for commerce and trade, accounted for 64% of total domestic arrivals, followed by Negros Oriental, Bohol and Siquijor.

Cebu also accounted 84% of total foreign arrivals.

Cebu lodged a total of 2.5 million tourists both domestic and overseas in the 10-month period this year.

Lapu-Lapu City lodged majority of the foreign tourists while Cebu City registered most of local visitors. (FREEMAN)