DOTand Region 12 tourist arrivals reaches 3.1-M
KORONODAL CITY –
The Department of Tourism 12 today reported that more than three million
tourists have visited the region, more known as SOCCSKSARGEN, in 2915.
Nelly Nita
Dillera, DOT-12 regional director said last year’s 3.157 million tourists was
20 percent higher as compared to 2.576 million visitors in the region.
Gen. Santos has
the highest tourist arrivals record of 1.2 million.She attributed Gen. Santos City’s plenty of accommodation
facilities and convention centers.
Saranggani coming
in second with more than 600 tourists. South Cotabato has 437,000 arrivals
following by North Cotabato (251,000), Kidapawan City (154,000), Tacurong City
(131,000), Sultan Kudarat (89,000) and Koronadal City with 77,000 arrivals.
In Saranggani,
Dillera said, the arrivals were noted due to river tubing, diving, para-gliding
and Lamlifew Cultural Village.
In South
Cotabato, Lake Sebu zipline, river cruise and cultural houses, Lake Holon,
Bancngeb Rive Cave Adventure and Tarsier sanctuary near Mt. Matutum served as
favorite destination.
In North
Cotabato, the attractions Lake Agco, New Israel Eco Adventure Park, Mandarangan
Trail to Mt. Apo, Tawsuvan Falls and Mt. Apo and Asik-Asik falls.
The Marquez Hot
and Cold Spring resort, Baras Bird sanctuary and Lagbasan cave. In Sultan Kudarat, Marguez Hot and Cold Spring, Baras Bird Sanctuary, Lagbasan Cave
while Cotabato City has the country’s largest Sultan Bolkiah Grand Mosque as
favorite attraction.
This year, the
DOT is banking on more activities that will invite local and foreign tourists.