Bacolod City (CNN Philippines) — The Negros Occidental Tourism Division reported a 16 percent increase in tourist arrivals in the province last year.
Of the total 680,365 tourists who arrived in the province in 2015, roughly 92 percent of them were domestic visitors, based on the data submitted by different local government units.
Records show that 624,823 domestic tourists, 54,553 foreign visitors, and 989 returning overseas Filipino workers visited the province.
Mambukal Resort in Murcia town topped the list of the most visited tourist destination for the municipality category, while Sipalay City ranked first in the city category.
“The increase in tourists arrivals can be attributed to the enhanced access going to key tourism sites, improved market awareness about the destination, and good transport connectivity.” according to Cristine Mansinares, supervising tourism operation officer of Negros Occidental,
Festivals and conferences held in the province, such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Bacolod City and the annual Provincial Tourism Week Celebration, also contributed to the increase in tourists arrival.
According to Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., with the expected direct flights from Ibaraki, Japan to the Bacolod Silay Airport this year, more foreign tourists are projected to visit the province.
Marañon, however, stressed the need for improved tourism facilities, services, and cleanliness to draw more tourists.
