DOT-7 expecting more tourists for April & May

The Department of Tourism-7 expects an upsurge in tourist arrivals both domestic and international for the religious festivities within the next two months.

DOT-7 regional director Patria Aurora "Dawnie" Roa said the months of April and May is a busy month for tourism in Region 7.

The Lenten rituals and Easter celebrations in April 10 to 15, even in the simplest municipality is always considered as unique and admirable to tourists.

Also most of the municipalities celebrate fiestas of their patron saints in April and May, the most famous of which is in the island of Bohol.

Roa said a task force is expected to be formed, coordinating agencies like the Philippine National Police, Department of Transportation and Communication, DOT, Department of Health and local government units, to make sure trouble is prevented with the holding of the said celebrations.

Over 700,000 tourist arrivals annually in Central Visayas.

Last year domestic tourists in the region reached 503,273 while foreign tourist last year reached 210,794 from January to June.

The province of Cebu shared the bulk of tourist arrivals with 543,285 followed by Bohol 96,640, Oriental Negros with 69,542 and Siquijor with 6,838. - Ferliza C. Contratista