Siquijor now under the investors’ radar

CEBU, Philippines — Siquijor province in Central Visayas is gaining popularity not only as an island vacation destination but is also drawing interest from investors playing tourists.

Cebu Travel and Tour Association (CTTA) president Anglelita Dy said that investors are now looking at Siquijor as potential ground for tourism business as interest of the province as a destination have strengthened from across market segments.

Known as the mystic island in the Philippines, Siquijor is now also the favorite get-away for quick family vacations, Dy said.

“Tourists-cum-investors are seeing good opportunity for business in Siquijor too,” added Dy.

With 48.8 percent increase in tourism arrivals, the province of Siquijor is tagged as the next emerging tourists’ favorite destination in Central Visayas.

According to the latest report released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the province of Siquijor recorded its highest tourist arrivals in 2018, with 48.8 percent growth.

Likewise, PSA noted an increase of economic activities and consumption in the province.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) regional director Asteria Caberte said with this trend, focus should be directed to Siquijor in terms of complementing the growth with infrastructure.

PSA record showed that demand for transportation, accommodations, food are rising, which also reflected to improving state of poverty incident.

“We want to push the speedy completion of Siquijor airport,” added Caberte.

Siquijor and its raw, rustic attraction has become the modern tourist destination of interest, as travelers—both foreign and local are now drawn to off-beaten places.

Meanwhile, aside from its scenic, rustic and serene environment, Suquijor is also gaining popularity among foreign medical tourists whose interest are into exploring the mystical side of adventure in exotic destinations like Siquijor, said Cebu Health and Wellness Council (CHWC) officer Clarissa Pe.

Used to be known as the Island of Fire or Isla del Fuego, Siquijor is enveloped by mystic traditions, which the growing tourism industry is capitalizing on.

The mystical island of Siquijor is known to have magic potions, shamans, witches and sorcerers and for many Filipinos it is never safe to wander at night.

But these kinds of attractions, on the other hand, are attracting a rising number of foreign travelers, not only the medical tourists, Pe said.

This unique to Siquijor attraction also fascinates the millennial adventurers.

According to Dy, Siquijor is another promising island province in Central Visayas to watch out for.