ALTHOUGH martial law is still in effect and armed clashes threatens the province, Misamis Oriental still enjoys some one million tourists in just three months this year.
Provincial Tourism Officer lawyer Jeffrey Saclot said from January to April this year, a total of 1,498,581 tourists visited the different tourists destinations located in the province.
In January, close to 500,000 tourists were already recorded and the number tripled in just about a month.
From the one million tourists, the province earned P19,324,157 from entrance fees, rents of cottages, pasalubong centers, among others.
Saclot said Sagpulon Falls in Claveria town, for instance, already earned P1,196,965 from January to June this year, while the Agutayan Island earned P274,400.
Meanwhile, the provincial office is anticipating more visitors as it is set to host the 19th National Convention of the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP) slated on October 3 to 6.
The gathering aims to strengthen the relationship among tourism officers in the country, and share among each other the best practices and learning in each of their area of responsibility.
“This convention is where tourism officers and stakeholders from all over the country will convene to share their knowledge, build networks, immerse in different communities to attain sustainable tourism,” Saclot said.