Donsol’s tourist influx increases yearly

Donsol’s tourist influx increases yearly

By: Bennie A. Recebido

Sorsogon City, March 7 (PIA) – Donsol town records some 25 percent increase of tourists that visit the place yearly to interact with world’s renowned “Butanding” (Rhincodon Typus) and at the same time experience other tourism destinations that the town offers.

Donsol Municipal Tourism Office latest record dated July 5, 2010 shows that there are a total of 53, 120 tourist arrivals recorded from 2008 to 2010 wherein 32,361 of these were local tourists while 20,309 were foreigners.

In 2008, 11,414 tourists, both foreign and local, visit Donsol, 17,548 in 2009, while the highest number recorded was last year with 24,158 visitors during the first half of the year. Last semester’s data of 2010 has yet to be consolidated and determined by the personnel of the local tourism office.

Number of boat trips last year, also recorded more or less 6,000 which were used for Butanding interaction. While for boat rentals including regulatory fees and taxes, the local government of Donsol has earned roughly P18,307,365 for 2010 while P73,100 were earned from the firefly watching from  the period of January – June 2010.

“The data is one concrete proof that tourists who wish to interact with the gentle giants of Donsol waters keep increasing yearly,” said municipal councilor Ronald Malilin, chair, Committee on Tourism.

“This has also brought positive effect not only in augmenting the livelihood of the local residents but in increasing ur local economy. That’s why we are really determined to preserve our natural resources that elevated us from being a 4th class municipality to a 1st class municipality,” he added.

“Likewise, we are also eyeing for possible investors that can put in amusement centers and other infrastructures that can help provide tourists with comfortable and worthwhile stay in Donsol,” Councilor Malilin also said.

Meanwhile, Malilin also invited anew the public to visit Donsol especially this time that the peak season for Butanding sightings has already started (March – May). He also assured the public that security of both local and foreign tourists are being taken-cared of by their local authorities to ensure an enjoyable stay while they are in the area. (PIA Sorsogon)