TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Cagayan Valley Region recorded more than one million tourist arrivals in 2017, a whopping 20% increase from the 2016 data.
According to DOT regional director Virgilio Maguigad, the figure came from the collective reports submitted by various local government units (LGUS) regionwide to the agency.
Maguigad said Sta. Ana town in Cagayan maintained its spot as the region’s most visited destination as it drew more than 281,000 tourist arrivals in 2017 followed by Santiago City in Isabela with more than 167,000 arrivals.
He added that Batanes province remained as the region’s premium ecotourism destination as it welcomed tourists twice of its population at 31,000 arrivals.
“The recorded total number of visitors and tourists registered an estimated total of P7.6 billion in tourist spending, a significant figure to add up to the local economy,” the regional director said.
Maguigad urged other LGUs and tourism organizations in the region to strive further in promoting their tourist attractions to increase their local and international tourist arrivals this year. Oliver Baccay/PIA/Northernforum.net
