Tourist arrivals in Cebu increase

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/06/30/tourist-arrivals-cebu-increase-550441
• Friday, June 30, 2017

By Arnold Tucong (MSU Intern)

THE Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) reported a 29 percent increase in tourist arrivals in Cebu last year compared to the previous year.

Cebu accounted for the bulk of tourist arrivals recorded in Central Visayas, which stood at 4.39 million in the first 10 months of 2016, which is higher compared to the 3.97 million recorded in in 2015.

“It’s a proof that Central Visayas is still a favorite destination in the Philippines,” said Joselito Costas, Cebu provincial tourism officer.

He attributed this to the safety and security in Cebu as well as to the availability of flights in going to other destinations.

“I would like to say that Cebu is really the hub of Visayas. From Cebu, you can go to Bohol, Siquijor, Negros, Iloilo and even Manila,” he said.

Costas said the challenge now is to sustain the momentum.

“It is also a good opportunity for the region to focus more on collaboration especially in terms of crisis communication networking because of the incidents in Bohol, the threats and the two advisories issued by the US Embassy as well from the embassies of other countries,” he said.