• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The six tourism destinations and attractions in E. B. Magalona, Negros Occidental posted a total of 79,590 visitors for 2022, or an increase of 198 percent compared to 2021 arrivals of 26,718, according to records of the Municipal Tourism Office.
This was revealed by Municipal Tourism Officer-designate Ma. Teresa Alvarez, during her presentation on tourist arrivals in E. B. Magalona for 2022, during the 2nd Quarter Meeting of Tourism Officers of 19 towns and 13 cities of Negros Occidental at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall on June 22 in Bacolod City.
Alvarez reported there were 52,872 more visitors in 2022 compared to 2021, with the bulk of the figures attributed to the Tomongtong Mangrove Eco-Trail, with 49,967 visitors.
Mayor Marvin Malacon expressed elation over the report, stressing that the municipal tourism industry is starting to get back to its feet, after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Municipal Tourism Office also noted that two more tourism establishments were established in 2022, namely the Isla Madalag Eco-Haven in Barangay Madalag, and Rivertea Café & Malogo Resort located in Hacienda Fortuna in Barangay Consing.
Before last year, there were only four tourism establishments in the municipality, including the I-Kulotz Payag Kainan & Mini-Resort and Lucita’s Garden Café & Restaurant, both located along the national highway in Barangay San Jose; Gary’s Place, located at Hacienda Tinihaban Barangay San Jose; and Tomongtong Mangrove Eco-Trail in Barangay Tomongtong.
The Office of the Mayor, thru the Municipal Tourism Office, recently conferred the six establishments with certificates of appreciation for their “strong support and active involvement in the tourism programs of the Municipality.”*
