By MIKE CRISMUNDO
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is supporting and has allocated P2 million for the upcoming 2024 World Surfing Tournament in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
“Yes, the DOT, through our Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina Codilla Frasco, is supporting the 38th World Surfing Competition slated in October this year,” disclosed DOT-13 Regional Director Ivonnie B. Dumadag in a press forum at the LMX Convention here on Tuesday, July 9.
Dumadag said the allocation will support expenses for the competition.
Local officials led by former governor and incumbent General Luna town Mayor Sol F. Matugas and Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco “Bingo” Matugas II and surfing officials are closely coordinating for the success of the international event.
“Preparations for this prestigious and spectacular event are ongoing with the DOT working with local officials and other stakeholders and also from the private sector,” Dumadag said.
Caraga recorded 1,442,032 foreign and domestic tourist arrivals in 2023, a 98.83 percent increase from 725,266 in 2022.
Most foreign tourists were from the US with 8,938, Spain with 5,618, France with 3, 993, the UK with 3,911, and Australia with 3,851.
“Because of good tourism infrastructure, good air, sea, and land transportations, and discovery of new tourism destinations, we are sure of high tourist arrivals by the end of this year, and the coming years,” Dumadag said.