CV tourist count hits2.9 million in August

CEBU, Philippines - The tourist count in Central Visayas hits 2.9 million as of August, exceeding half of the Department of Tourism's 4.4 million visitor target for 2015.

Data from DOT in Region 7 released to the media yesterday showed that around 2.9 million local and foreign tourists visited the region from January to August this year, up 5 percent from 2.7 million in the same period last year.

During the eight-month period, the growth of local tourists, however, was flat at 1.6 million while that of overseas tourists rose 14 percent to 1.2 million from 1 million last year.

Korea remains the region's main source of foreign tourists, accounting for 44 percent of the total foreign visitor market. It is followed by Japan, USA, China, Australia, United Kingdom and Canada.

Moreover, Cebu accounts for 65 percent of the total domestic arrivals while Bohol makes up 12 percent; Negros Oriental, 21percent; and Siquijor, 2 percent.

In terms of foreign arrivals, Cebu still leads with an 84 percent share followed by Bohol (9 percent), Negros Oriental (6 percent) and Siquijor (1 percent).

Cebu, being the regional center for commerce and trade, lodged a total of 2.1 million tourists in the first eight months of the year.

Lapu-Lapu City lodged majority of the foreign tourists while Cebu City registered most of the local visitors.

Tourism is one of the primary growth drivers of the regional economy. — Carlo S. Lorenciana (FREEMAN)