Zamboanga City, Oct 17 (PIA-9) – Zamboanga City, known as "Asia's Latin City," attracts local and foreign visitors, including those from Latin America because of its Chavacano language, i.e. a mix of Spanish and other Spanish traditions. 

Based on the tourist inflow summary for 2022, the city registered a total of 66,011 tourist arrivals during the festival month of October, with 39 events that are city-led and or collaborative with other stakeholders. 

City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian, revealed that around 300 tourists have visited the city every month since the beginning of 2023, where some 1,311 are foreigners mostly from North Amerca as reported by the office from January to June 2023. Sebastian was hopeful the number of tourists would increase this year as there are more activities than last year and the city is back to pre-pandemic status.

Lolita Pamesa, a balikbayan who also visited the city for the celebration, was also happy to witness the festival.

 “I work in abroad now, and I keep coming back. This is my first time to be here in Zamboanga after 22 years of living abroad. For those who would like to come to Zamboanga City, this is an amazing place, and I'm proud to be a Zamboangueño,” she said.