CITY'S TOURISM INDUSTRY SOARS IN 2009

The figures of 2009 tourist arrivals in Puerto Princesa proves that tourism industy is doing great in the local economy says Ma. Corazon B. Timones, City Tourism Operation Officer IV.
Timones disclosed that based on the recorded tourist arrivals from January to December 2009, the city of Puerto Princesa registered a total of 268,942 for both local and foreign tourists. This means there is an increase of 17.55% compared to 2008 which is 221,736.
From January to december 2008 domestic tourist rose from 199,794 to 241,916 in the same months of 2009. Foreign tourist increased too from 21,946 to 27,026 in 2009.
\"We have a total of 17.55% increase in tourists arrivals in the city of Puerto Princesa compared to last year,\" Timones said.
The boost in tourism industry of the city of Puerto Princesa is likewise proven by the multiple numbers of hotel accomodations, pension houses, travel agencies, restaurants and souvenir shops in the city.
In the inventory of licensed tourism related establishments for 2009, travel agencies reached 58; accomodations (pension, tourist inn, hotel, resort and apartelle) 80; tourist transport (van, airtoda, hobbai, sabang sea ferry dolphin watching) 273; Tourism Related Establishments (TRE\'s) such as internet cafe, sing along bars, souvenir shops, other TRE is 195 and restaurants is 84.
With the above-mentioned growth, the number of licensed tour guides also increased from 82 to 111.
\"By looking at the data, tumaas \'yan including employment and livelihood kasi nag-increase din ang tourist arrivals dito sa atin,\" Timones said.
As early as January this year, the CTO already received communications pertaining to the conduct of conferences, trainings and seminars in the city and the whole year of 2010 is already booked for numerous activities.
\"This February the activities include the 8th National Vegetable Congress, MIMAROPA RAA meet and other conventions and we are expecting more visitors to come,\" she added.
Timones further added this terrific performance only shows tourism as a very promising industry in the city and the province of Palawan.

CHERYL A. GALILI | The Palawan Times; February01-07, 2010