It’s a go for int’l surfing tourney in Siargao
FUNDING SOLVED. Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 13 (Caraga) Director Ivonnie Dumadag announced the approval of the DOT central office through Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco of a P2 million allocation for the 38th International Surfing Competition in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte in October.
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) central office, through Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, has practically given the green light for the 38th International Surfing Competition slated to be held in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte in October, allocating PHP2 million for the event.
DOT Region13 (Caraga) Director Ivonnie Dumadag made the announcement saying that with the funding of the annual event would further boost the tourism industry in Siargao Island and the rest of the region.
“The DOT, through Secretary Frasco, aims to support and promote the prestigious international sporting event scheduled to take place in October this year in Siargao. The funding will also defray the expenses for the competition,” Dumadag said.
She added that preparations for the event are ongoing with the DOT-13 working with the local government unit (LGU) of General Luna and other stakeholders, especially from the private sector.
The yearly international surfing event is a hallmark of Siargao's vibrant sports scene and is among the top attractions for surfers and visitors from around the globe.
“Siargao Island has become a premier destination for surf enthusiasts and travelers seeking an unparalleled surfing experience,” Dumadag said.
Surfing and other yearly international sports events in Siargao Island, including game fishing and dragon boat racing, have bolstered tourist arrivals in the region.
In 2023, the region recorded 1,442,032 tourist arrivals, both local and foreign, marking a 98.83 percent rise from 725,266 in 2022.
The region also logged a 93.9 percent increase in domestic tourists from 711,059 in 2022 to 1,378,751 in 2023, as well as a 345.42 percent increase in foreign visitors from 14,207 in 2022 to 63,281 in 2023.
The top five international markets of the Caraga region last year were the US with 8,938 visitors, Spain with 5,618, France with 3,993, the UK with 3,911, and Australia with 3,851.
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