Sarangani tourist arrivals double each year

By JUN RAMOS
Photos by COCOY SEXCION

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 29, 2007) – Tourist arrivals in Sarangani have almost doubled every year over the past three years.

Tourism investments also doubled each year since 2004.

"I am very proud to say that after three years from zero resorts in the province, now Sarangani has become the premier tourist destination for the entire Region XII," re-elected Governor Migs Dominguez noted.

Sarangani registered total arrivals of 270,222 last year alone.

Tourism office records show that Isla Parilla Resort in the capital town Alabel topped the list with 107,482 tourists and excursionists in 2006.

The white-water tubing adventure resort in barangay New La Union, Maitum registered 11,000 guests.

White sand beaches in Gumasa, Glan and other destinations accounted for the rest of tourist arrivals.

"We will continue pushing for mileage in publicity, jobs in the private sector and take advantage of those opportunities for the businesses to prosper," the governor said.

Dominguez compared the 14-year old Sarangani province to "Bohol 10 to 15 years ago, even Boracay 20 years ago."

"As people go and go, the people feel the warm opportunities. Hopefully in two, three, four years time as these prosper, we will see the merging for partnership of foreign groups partnering already with the locals," said Dominguez.

Sarangani's natural resources need investments "to create a product out of that," he said.

"We have everything. We have the beaches, rivers. We have the very beautiful and hospitable people of Sarangani province which is the very important asset in this industry that we call tourism," Gov. Dominguez said.

In the past three years, the provincial government rebuilt roads in New La Union and trained river guides with proper equipment.

"Now it has become a product," the governor said. "The product is called the river tubing adventure."

Private sector investments also grew for South Point Divers resort in Tampuan Point, Maasim and Gumasa Beach resorts with new cottages along a white-sand coast. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)