LEGAZPI CITY --- Cashing in on the lava-spewing volcano, the Department of Tourism in Bicol has recommended the strategic safe locations for domestic and foreign tourists who wish to witness the amazing display of Mt. Mayon during nighttime here.

        Bicol tourism regional director Maria “Nini” Ong-Ravanilla designated as viewing areas Mayon View Deck at Lingñon Hill, atop the Kapuntukan Hill in Victory village, Imperial Ridgeview in Buragwis village, Legazpi City ship port fronting Mayon volcano, Mayon International Hotel, Taysan Hills, Barangay Estanza, Cagsawa Church and Cagsawa National Park in Daraga town.

        Other viewing sites are the national highway within the boundary of the towns of Camalig and Guinobatan, lower portion of Malabog in Daraga, Padang and Basud in Legazpi City as well as the national roads going to the municipality of Sto. Domingo and Tabaco City.

        These areas will assure spectacular display of zigzagging snakelike lava flows and rock falls from Mayon Volcano’s crater going to the southeast quadrant facing Bonga Gullies especially the villages of Mabinit, Bonga, Matanag, Buyuan and Miisi to the south of Daraga town.

        Ravanilla told Bicol Mail that from July 15-18, at least 51 percent occupancy rate was noted from five DOT accredited hotels as compared to its normal flow of 36 percent, representing 551 tourists, 41 percent of which are foreign, 59 percent domestic. The five hotels accredited by tourism department here were Hotel Venezia with 60 percent occupancy rate followed closely by Tanchuling, 54 percent, Casablanca, 44 percent, Pepperland Hotel, 42 percent and Magayon Hotel.

        The same observation was concurred by Romeo Caraan, Philippine Airline branch manager in Legazpi City.

        Caraan told Bicol Mail that since Mt. Mayon exhibited the glowing lava, increased foreign tourist arrivals has been noted at the Legazpi City Domestic Airport. Among the visiting foreign tourists here were Koreans, Europeans and Americans.