BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) -- The tourist destinations in the province of Nueva Vizcaya have gained popularity as proven by the increased number of domestic and foreign tourist visitors last year.  

Marichelle Costales, provincial tourism officer, said there were 174, 061 overall tourist arrivals last year, of which 1,673 were foreign tourists and 172,388 were domestic visitors. Of the record, 416,355 were excursionists or same-day visitors.

The recorded data is far higher than the less than a hundred thousand tourist arrivals in the previous years. 

“These statistics emanated from our local municipal tourism offices and tourist site managers or in-charge. This proves that the tourism industry of our province is slowly gaining popularity even to foreigners,” Costales said.

She said the Lower Magat Eco-Tourism Park in Diadi town and the Capissaan Cave System in Kasibu town served as the flagship tourist destinations of the province.

The Lower Magat recorded a total of 62,562 same-day visitors and 8,238 tourists while Capissan Caves recorded a total of 2,282 visitors. 

The Paragliding adventure in Ambaguio town added to the number of newly developed destinations in the province. The site is also one of the favorite destinations of actors and other artists.

The ‘pick and pay’ experience offered by citrus farmers in Malabing Valley, Kasibu is another attraction that drew tourists last year. 

Costales also said that as the tourism industry gains positive attraction, it also benefits the local economy, provides livelihood, and generates jobs for the locals.

She further expressed optimism that more tourists will visit the province this year with the recent launching of the province’s official tourism logo that promotes its tourism potential.

Costales explained that the colorful logo, inspired by citrus, is a perfect symbol for Nueva Vizcaya as the Citrus Capital of Luzon. 

The fifteen citrus pulps, she said, represent the fifteen municipalities of the province while the shades of red, orange, yellow, and green show how vibrant and bountiful Nueva Vizcaya is in terms of nature and culture. 

The tagline, according to her, effectively summarizes the dominant characteristics of the province’s local tourism sites, attractions, and events, which are nature-based and culturally diverse.

“The official launching of the logo and tagline aims to gather the support and cooperation of the municipalities, organizations, private establishments, and the general public in promoting the tourism industry of the province,” Costales said. (OTB/BME/PIA NVizcaya)