JORDAN, Guimaras – Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan continues to be the most-sought after destination in Western Visayas with some P16.7 billion in tourist receipts recorded in 2011.

Capiz Governor Victor Tanco Sr. in his State of the Region Address (SORA) delivered during the first quarterly meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) where he sits as chairman, lauded Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez for “being number one in tourist arrivals and receipts.”

Likewise, for pushing for more projects that lure tourists not only in his province but also other areas in Panay.

The rise in tourist arrivals was noted in the number of passengers recorded at the Caticlan Jetty Port using the roll on-roll off mode of transportation as well as the increased number of commercial and chartered planes that landed at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) and the Godofredo Ramos Airport also known as the Boracay Airport.

The tourist receipts recorded from Boracay Island represent almost 50 percent of the preliminary amount generated for tourism in Western Visayas that reached P38.5 billion. In 2010, the tourist receipts amounted to P38.4 billion.

The tourism preliminary report, said Tanco, showed that in 2011, the reigon has some two million tourists reflecting a .26 percent increase against 2010 figures.

Meanwhile, Tanco also noted Guimaras’ initiatives to be an “exceptional tourist destination.” He cited among others the ongoing upgrading of the province’s port and road network.

“Guimaras is not just an island of beautiful beaches and world-renowned sweet mangoes but also of breathtaking landscapes that either calm the senses or challenge ones adventuresome spirit,” he said.

Tanco added that already investors are eyeing Guimaras for their investments thus contributing to the efforts of the province to “lure visitors to stay a bit longer by adding more facilities and attractions.”

Guimaras played host to the one-day meeting on Friday that capped with a tour of the Lombija Wildlife Park and Heritage Hotel in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.*PNA