La Union posts P1 billion in tourism revenues

 SAN FERNANDO, La Union, Philippines — The provincial government of La Union recorded P1.04 billion in tourism revenues last year.

Data from the office of Gov. Raphaelle Veronica David showed the easing of restrictions imposed during the pandemic resulted in a surge in tourist arrivals, both foreign and local.

The amount exceeded the P897 million that the province posted in 2022.

Tourist arrivals in 2023 increased to 550,359 from 494,387 in 2022.

The month of April recorded the most tourist arrivals with 68,567, followed by June with 55,131 and May with 53,921.

Of the total figure, 543,909 were local tourists while 6,450 were foreigners.

Forty-nine percent of domestic tourists came from Metro Manila followed by Central Luzon with 14 percent, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) with 13 and the Cordilleras, 10 percent.

The surfing site of Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan was the most popular tourist destination.

San Juan received 215,645 visitors in 2023 followed by Bauang with 100,762 and San Fernando, 97,726.

Among the province’s tourists attractions are the Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, Poro Point Lighthouse, Ma-Cho Temple in San Fernando, Immuki Island in Balaoan, Baluarte Watch Tower and Namacpacan Church in Luna town, and the grape farms of Bauang.

David reminded residents and business owners to be mindful of the impact of the surge of visitors to the environment.

She said environmental protection should always be a priority.