The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) central office, through Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, is allocating PHP2 million to fund the 38th International Surfing Competition slated to be held in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte in October.

In an interview on Saturday, DOT 13 (Caraga) Director Ivonnie Dumadag welcomed the move, seeing the positive impact the funding would have on the tourism industry in Siargao Island and the rest of the region.

“The DOT, through Secretary Frasco, aims to support and promote the prestigious international sporting event scheduled to take place in October this year in Siargao. The funding will also defray the expenses for the competition,” Dumadag said.

She added that preparations for the event are ongoing with the DOT-13 working with the local government unit (LGU) of General Luna and other stakeholders, especially from the private sector.

The yearly international surfing event is a hallmark of Siargao’s vibrant sports scene and is among the top attractions for surfers and visitors from around the globe.

“Siargao Island has become a premier destination for surf enthusiasts and travelers seeking an unparalleled surfing experience,” Dumadag said.

Surfing and other yearly international sports events in Siargao Island, including game fishing and dragon boat racing, have bolstered tourist arrivals in the region.

In 2023, the region recorded 1,442,032 tourist arrivals, both local and foreign, marking a 98.83 percent rise from 725,266 in 2022.

The region also logged a 93.9 percent increase in domestic tourists from 711,059 in 2022 to 1,378,751 in 2023, as well as a 345.42 percent increase in foreign visitors from 14,207 in 2022 to 63,281 in 2023.

The top five international markets of the Caraga region last year were the US with 8,938 visitors, Spain with 5,618, France with 3,993, the UK with 3,911, and Australia with 3,851. (PNA)