Tourist arrivals upbeat in 2011

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines  – Gauging from tourists’ arrivals last year, the tourism industry in Bohol province was in an upbeat mood despite the prevailing world slump in the travel business.

Data from the Bohol Tourism Office showed that tourist arrivals here hit a total of 553,852 last year, higher by 33,772 than to the 520,676 in 2010.

July last year showed the highest arrivals (both foreign and domestic) of 68,738 followed by 55,754 on December. The lean seasons were on February, with 36,244 arrivals, and September with 37,232.

Tourists coming to Bohol by sea totaled to 313,935 while by air, 239,917. BTO said the tourist count was derived mainly from arrivals on seaport and airport.

A total of 43,051 Americans contributed to the traffic base, 61,587 Asians and 41,909 Europeans, while domestic tourists reached 357,313.

According to data of the Department of Tourism, Bohol is 10th among the top 14 destinations in the country. The top five are Camarines Sur with 48 percent, Metro Manila (20.3 percent), Cebu (9.67 percent), Boracay island (20.03 percent) and Baguio City (4.13 percent).

The rest are Davao City, Puerto Princesa City, Cagayan de Oro City, Zambales and Bohol provinces. Negros Oriental is at 13th place, following Camiguin island and Cagayan. (FREEMAN)