Despite quakes, city tourism officials are expecting huge number of visitors in the city this Christmas season.
The City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) is anticipating over 200,000 tourists in the remaining weeks of the years.
Generose Tecson, CTOO head, said they are “happy” with the “very satisfying” hotel occupancy.
The rate of 80% to 90% hotel occupancy for the month of December is already achieved, she said.
“December is really a time to go home, so that’s another factor,” Tecson added.
Tourism in the city has been affected by the earthquake swarm that hit the island since October. Several conventions previously set in the city were canceled.
But Tecson said that it’s “fortunate” that tourism in the city has not reached “a low rate” following the recent quakes.
The tourism official admitted they still keep on receiving calls inquiring if the city is already safe to visit, and they answered them as “nice as possible.”
Tecson advised visitors to occupy legitimate accommodation spaces to ensure that the establishments they are checking in are safe from damages caused by the quakes.
She warned tourists from patronizing lodging houses, for-rent houses, and condominium units that operate without business permits.
