– The impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus to the Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga region tourism industry, particularly the Paradise Island of Siargao, “is only minimal”.
Most of the foreign visitors visiting Caraga region, particularly in the acknowledged world tourist destinations of Siargao Island, come from Australia, US, Canada, Germany and Japan, according to Camarin. The official, however, admitted the arrival figures for the first quarter might decline “slightly”, but the tourism department is hoping that when the travel ban on China and its administrative regions is lifted, the number of foreign arrivals will increase anew.
Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte’s prime tourist destination, posted significant growth in tourist arrivals during the first six months in 2019.