CALAPAN CITY – Oriental Mindoro ranks second among eight provinces in the Philippines with the highest post-covid tourist arrivals earning P2.2 Billion in tourism earnings in 2022.

In a report submitted by the Provincial Tourism Office for the year 2022, about 228,054 or 20 percent of tourist arrivals was recorded for MIMAROPA region. Palawan which also belongs under the MIMAROPA region, ranks number one with a recorded 788,890 tourist arrivals for the same year.

In terms of foreign tourist arrivals, China ranked number one followed by Korea and USA at third place.

DAY TOUR

In terms of day tours or non-overnight guests, Mindoro ranked number two with 336,746 or 11 percent arrivals for 2022.

Among the top places in Mindoro Oriental frequented by tourists is Puerto Galera which has 56,173 day tour arrivals. Calapan City ranks second with 55,679 arrivals and Bulalacao ranks third with 30,338 arrivals.

INCREASE IN TOURISM JOBS

The same year also reported an unprecedented increase in tourism-related employment at 4,149 jobs.

Calapan generated 1,097 jobs followed by Puerto Galera at 857, while Mansalay generated 484 jobs.

A hike in tourism accreditation from 18 tourism enterprises in 2018 to 224 tourism enterprises for 2022 was also reported. (Infographics courtesy of Provincial Tourism Office)