Growing Tourism in Siquijor
The growth in tourism in Siquijor eventually peaked when global expansion peaked last 2007. There was a 35% growth of tourism for foreign tourists likewise a 15% increase for local tourists. However, there was a slow increase in 2008 to 2009. But in 2010, it reverted to its face pace. This was the year when global economy recovered. It grew by more than 5 percent in 2010. According to the partial report of the DOT Region 7, for the first four months of this year, Siquijor reached 13,643 tourist arrivals. 88% of these visits are for vacation purposes.
Tourism contributes a major role in the economy of Siquijor. Nature has provided this small island with bountiful aquatic life, beautiful corals, and white sandy beaches. There are jungle trails, hilly or mountainous land, and friendly locals. Siquijor has been placed in a strategic location surrounded by neighboring islands with established population and economic growth. People come in the island to relax, unwind, and simply enjoy a vacation away from the stressful city.
There is no language barrier in the island because the locals are capable to speak English and Tagalog. What’s amazing is that, the province has a literacy rate of 92.5% (as of 1889). This means that Siquijor is among the highly literate provinces in the country. Its citizens are trained for any suitable job available.
Department of Tourism
Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Rolando Cañizal, in a forum he attended, said that with the island’s unspoiled environment and cultural assets, charm and mysticism, and its friendly and hospitable people. Siquijor, will no doubt, become one of the country’s premier tourist destinations. The localities are working hard to establish and harness the island’s natural and cultural resources for tourism growth.
The government and localities must be able to bolster the demand for accommodation, tourism, and transportation. That is the good challenge Siquijor is facing right now due to its beauty. We must consider the improvement of the island as more and more tourists come in the island.