Calbayog tourism, business stable despite killings - official

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, Dec. 10 (PNA) – Tourism and business flow in this city are stable despite the reported election-related killings in the past months.

Data from the city tourism office shows that tourist arrival from January to October 2015 has reached 73,983, higher than the 72,890 visitors recorded a year ago.

Of the total number, 71,213 are local tourists while 2,770 are foreigners. The data further shows that most foreign visitors in Calbayog City are American nationals at 2,106, followed by Australian, Korean, Japanese and Chinese at 411, 126,107 and 99, respectively.

City tourism officer Ronald Ricafort said that the data is based on the record from hotels and lodging houses in the city, not including tourists who opted to stay at their relatives and friends’ homes.

According to Ricafort, tourist arrival for next year will possibly increase with the continued tourism promotions spearheaded by their office. Tourism development is among the top priority of the present administration.

For 2016, four tourism development projects are included in the city’s Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) under the Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BUB) approach amounting to PHP13.3 million.

These are the development of Malajog Eco-Tourism Loop (PHP5.5 million), development of Danao and Guinogo-an Cave (PHP3.3 million), improvement of Isla Pawikan (PHP2.7 million) and marketing and promotion of Calbayog City: Participation in Travel Fairs (PHP1.8 million).

Meanwhile, Roberto Billate of the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) said that business in the city continues to grow. The city government issued 2,135 business permits to local establishments.

The city government is targeting to issue 2,500 business permits next year. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/JENNIFER SUMAGANG-ALLEGADO