Tourist arrivals in Masbate up by 50 percent

TIME TO SHINE, Masbate! The province recorded a 50 percent increase in tourist arrivals during the annual Rodeo Masbateño Festival in Masbate City, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) – Bicol director Benjamin Santiago.

The four-day fair attracted local and foreign visitors through activities such as bronco, carambola, lassoing, and bull-riding competition.

Santiago said that the rise in the number of tourists coming to the island province could be due to the impending closure of Boracay.

“We see new faces here… Maybe they will have side trips after watching the rodeo, such as going to the beach or dive spots,” he said.

With the influx of tourists, the DOT official said that beach resort operators were advised to comply with proper waste disposal requirements so as not to face closure similar to that in Boracay.

Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, who was present during the festival opening, also reminded the operators of the tourist spots to ensure compliance with government requirements.

via The Philippine Star / Cet Dematera