THE San Carlos City in Negros Occidental was hailed as the Top 2 Most Prompt and Contributing Local Government Unit (LGU) in Negros Occidental in terms of overnight tourist statistics, a press statement from the city government said.

For the day tourist arrivals category, the city placed third.

These recognitions were announced during the virtual Negros Occidental Tourism Excellence Awards on Monday, September 27.

City Tourism Office’s records showed that a total of 42, 885 individuals both local and tourist visited the city in 2020 which increased by 12, 731 or 22.56 percent only in January to August this year.

Tourism Operations Officer I Jennifer Paran, in a statement, said the increase is one of the bases of the city’s requests for a project from the national agency.

Paran attributed the achievement to the owners and in charge of accommodation establishments in the city who submit monthly tourist arrival reports on time.

“The award served as an inspiration for us to continue to market San Carlos City to further increase the tourist arrival and hopefully next year, we will be able to get the top spot,” she said.

The tourism officer thanked the tourists coming from various cities and municipalities in Negros Oriental and Occidental who continue to visit and explore the city amid the pandemic.

Paran said they are making sure that tourists follow the minimum health protocols set by the local and national governments.

The Negros Occidental Tourism Excellence Awards culminated the 21st Negros Occidental Tourism Month celebration themed ”Tourism for Inclusive Growth.”*

Gabb Advincula/File Photo. Sipaway Island in San Carlos City is one of the tourist attractions in the northern Negros Occidental locality.