The number of tourist arrivals in Negros Oriental for the first half of the year has already reached over 350,000.

Records from the Provincial Tourism Office on Monday showed that as of June 30, the province logged 356,245 tourist arrivals, almost triple of last year’s figure of 122,047.

Woodrow Maquiling Jr., provincial tourism executive director, attributed the rise in tourist arrivals to the province’s aggressive and massive promotions and development of new sites by the provincial government.

These include the Viaje de Amor where new tourist destinations are extensively promoted in the northern part of the province.

Also, the Sunday market in Valencia town is getting popular by the day with food stalls, fresh vegetables and fruits, and plants, among others, being sold at the town plaza.

Records also showed that the leading foreign tourists are from the United States, China, and France, in addition to local visitors.

No other data were made available yet as the tourism office is still getting and consolidating the reports from hotels and other accommodations here.

With this new development, Maquiling believed that the province would be able to breach its target of 500,000 tourists by the end of 2024. The influx of tourists could reach 600,000 arrivals.

He said the increase of construction activities in this capital city will further boost the economy.

“As it is right now, it is becoming an emerging destination and we hope to ensure that there is sustainability, especially in our tourism programs,” he added.

Maquiling cited the need for strong partnerships between the government and the private sector to strengthen the tourism industry. (PNA)