DUMAGUETE CITY – Negros Oriental’s tourism industry stakeholders, particularly in accommodation establishments, pledged support for the provincial government’s goal to double tourist arrivals in 2024. A forum organized by the Provincial Tourism Board, led by Executive Director Woodrow Maquiling Jr., brought together key figures in the sector to address concerns related to the projected increase in tourist numbers.
Maquiling emphasized the need for more rooms to accommodate the expected growth, citing a UNWTO projection that pre-pandemic levels could be reached by 2025-2026. In 2023, Negros Oriental recorded a 34% increase in tourist arrivals, totaling 273,157 compared to 2022’s 204,164. The provincial government aims to achieve 500,000 tourist arrivals this year.
Dona Maturan, president of the Negros Oriental Tourism Officers’ Association, expressed optimism about meeting the target, highlighting collaborative efforts with the government in crafting the tourism roadmap.
Royani Dy, president of the Negros Oriental Hotel, Resorts, and Restaurants Association, welcomed the prospect of increased arrivals, anticipating positive impacts on restaurants. While she believed current accommodations could meet demands, she expressed hope for more options in the coming years.
The forum, attended by nearly 200 representatives from various accommodation establishments across the province, focused on reinforcing collaboration and addressing the challenges posed by the tourism industry’s growth.