More Tourist Arrivals Expected in Magayon Festival

LEGAZPI CITY, March 10  - Increase of tourist arrivals in Albay province is expected starting last week of March this year in connection with the 2010 Magayon Festival.

Jose Briones of Albay Tourism Office said the formal opening of Magayon Festival is on April 5.

This year's celebration focuses on patriotism and nationalism. "The month long festival is full of entertainments to promote culture, arts, sports and tourist destinations in the province," he said.

"Every year we are expecting an influx of local and foreign tourists," Briones said.

In 2009 Magayon festival, tourist arrivals posted 35.58 percent increase with an average of tourist expenditures of P2,400 per day.

Last year, the provincial tourism office recorded a total of 235,000 foreign and local tourist arrivals. "The figure is expected to rise this year because of the business opportunities in the province, increase in the number of air flights as well as new air-conditioned buses from Manila to Legazpi," Briones added.

"Our tourism stakeholders have already contributed a lot in terms of development of their facilities and employment," he said.

Gov. Joey Salceda on the other hand said that Albay is investing in tourism promotion. "This year, the provincial government has allocated P12 million for different events and another P3 million for promotional purposes."

"Investment is necessary in order to attract tourists which eventually result to generate employment and income to transport sector and tourism sector," Salceda said. (PNA)

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