The Provincial Tourism and Culture Office (PTCO) has released its latest tourism statistics, showing a steady increase in both domestic and foreign tourist arrivals. According to the report, the province welcomed a total of 174,061 tourists in 2023, with 172,388 domestic tourists and 1,673 foreign visitors. The trend continued into the first half of 2024, with a recorded 125,579 arrivals—123,734 domestic and 1,845 foreign, said PTC Officer Marichelle O. Costales during a press conference on September 4, 2024, at the Provincial Treasury’s conference room.
Excursionist arrivals also showed significant growth. In 2023, a total of 416,355 excursionists were recorded, consisting of 415,859 domestic and 496 foreign. For the first semester of 2024, the province already tallied 470,220 excursionists, with 469,151 domestic and 1,069 foreign visitors.
The PTCO also highlighted the top ten most visited tourist attractions in the province, which included natural and cultural destinations like Malico Salacsac Pass, WWII Shermans Tank, Kiyang Di Duntog Agro-Tourism Park, and Sabo Dam in Sta. Fe, Sky Scape 360 and Love Camp in Ambaguio, Tam-An Mountain Resort in Bayombong, and the Lower Magat Eco-Tourism (LMET) Park. Other notable sites were the Mapalyao Falls in Quezon, and Corpuz Resort in Villaverde.
In addition to tourism figures, the PTCO emphasized the cultural aspect of its tourism initiatives. One key project is the revival of the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Workshop, formerly known as the IP Summer Workshop, which started under the administration of former Governor Ruth R. Padilla. This year, the workshop will take place in Kayapa, Santa Fe, Villaverde, Kasibu, and Diadi, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd).
On infrastructure development, the PTCO noted that the proposed Ambaguio Skyport project is nearing the final stages of preparation, with construction expected to begin soon.
The upcoming Tourism Month celebration promises to be a major event, with the province set to host the R2 Cagayan Valley Tourism Council (R2CVTC) General Assembly. The celebration will feature a tourism expo showcasing local products, destinations, and the region’s rich bounty. A fashion show displaying the weaves of Indigenous Peoples, a regional forum, and a tourism awards night will also be among the highlights.
Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito expressed his full support for the province’s tourism programs, emphasizing their role in enhancing the local economy. “Tourism has always been a vital contributor to our economic growth. We will continue to invest in programs and infrastructure that will elevate our province as a premier destination in the region,” the governor said. /cqc
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