By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The number of tourist arrivals in Negros Occidental has increased by 36 percent in 2023, the latest data from the Provincial Tourism Office showed yesterday.

Provincial tourism officer Cheryl Decena said around two million tourist arrivals were recorded in 2023, higher than 1.7 million logged in 2022.

The arrivals brought around P6 billion in revenue, compared to P5 billion in 2022.

Decena noted that the data is yet to be completed as some local government units have yet to submit their data.

She further noted that 10 percent of the tourist arrivals in Negros Occidental were from the United States, South Korea, Germany, Canada, Australia, China, and Japan.

Decena also noted that among the most popular destinations for tourists in the province are The Ruins and Campuestohan Resort in Talisay City, Magikland in Silay City, Sipaway Island in San Carlos City, and Mambukal Resort in Murcia town.

Also included in the list of popular tourist spots in the province are the Tomontong Eco-Trail in E.B. Magalona town and Lakawon Island in Cadiz City.

The Provincial Tourism Office is now planning to assist other tourist destinations in the province by promoting their products./DGB, WDJ