The Catanduanes Provincial Tourism Office has recorded a 37.8-percent increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

In an interview on Wednesday, Carmel Garcia, Catanduanes tourism office chief, said the raise came with increased economic opportunities for tourism enterprises.

She said based on their data, 35,363 tourists visited the island province from January to March, which is higher than the 25,656 visitors recorded in 2023.

Garcia said some 43,142 jobs contributed significantly to the province’s local economy with domestic tourism receipts, generating PHP39.9 million for the province and PHP11.5 million for foreign tourism receipts.

She said the generated jobs include tour guides, transportation personnel, porters, van operators, waiters, housekeepers, vendors and boat operators.

“The long weekend and Holy Week celebration contributed to the increase in tourist arrivals. With our consistent promotional posting on different platforms, it helped. The series of medical missions sponsored by foreigners also attracts tourists, and a group of foreign women surfers who consistently visit our province, really promotes us globally,” Garcia said.

She said with the continuous influx of tourists, the province also continues to increase accommodation establishments to cater to more tourists and conventions.

“As of now, we have 63 establishments in the 11 towns with 672 rooms. We are happy that some of our hotels here are now expanding their room accommodations, and additional facilities are being constructed. New resorts are expected to open this year. The increasing number also shows that we are now being known by local or foreign tourists as a convenient and exciting destination. We don’t just want them to visit the island, but we want them to return and enjoy Catanduanes,” she said.

Garcia said they are grateful that more regional conventions are held in the island province.

The province also recorded an increase in same-day visitors with 103,396 compared to 45,922 in the same period last year.

Trees for tourism

Garcia said the tourism office has an existing program called “Trees for Tourism” to ensure that the natural beauty of the island is preserved.

“Even local tourists, we encourage them to plant trees that include the coastal areas. Meron tayo ng mga species na hinihingi sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) so pag beach area ang punta nila, we encourage them, we coordinate with their tour coordinator na maging part ng itinerary nila (We have species that we request from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources so when they go to the beach area, we encourage them, we coordinate with their tour coordinator to be part of their itinerary),” she said.

Garcia said the island province has pristine beaches, scenic natural wonders and rich cultural experiences that are all easily accessible for quick explorations. (PNA)