TOURIST arrivals in the Kalinga Province has reached 22,995 from January to March 20, higher than the 15,000 target for the first quarter of the year according to the Kalinga Tourism Office.
Tourism Operations Officer Dionica Mercado said the tourism industry in the province continues to boom with the different tourist spots and attractions including the cultural immersion they are offering.
"From the data, tourist arrival in Tabuk City is not yet included, and we will be reporting as long as we have the data. But this is a clear indication that tourism industry here is booming," Mercado said.
“The data we gathered came from hotels, inns and other accommodation establishments including home stays in the province.” Mercado added.
Tinglayan had the highest number of arrivals due to cultural immersion and the nonstop visits of tourists to Buscalan wanting to have a traditional tattoo by world renowned artist “Apo Whang-od.”
Kalinga also boasts a majestic, mountain view, and cultural practices.
According to the tourism office, Tinglayan serves as the main hub for tourist coming from Mountain Province, which is a two hour travel from Bontoc, the province’s capital town.
Aside from Tinglayan, Kalinga is also promoting the municipality of Pasil for trekking adventures and Balbalan for their river, which is the cleanest in the region.
Tabuk City, Kalinga’s capital is also among one of the highest tourism arrival in the province despite the lack of data as the city houses several hotels in the area.
In 2016, Kalinga ranked second next to Baguio City in tourist arrival followed by Mt. Province.
Meanwhile, Kalinga has partnered with North Luzon Film Lab and North Luzon Cinema Incorporation, an entity producing independent films showed in the country and abroad.
The partnership aims to promote the talent and skill of local artists in Kalinga. From May 15 to 21 there will be workshops in Tinglayan. Other municipalities in the province are also scheduled for the same workshops.