Masbate City –- In the last six months, the number of tourists who visited Masbate reached 50,753 from 37,319 during the same period in 2006, according to the latest official statistics.

        Statistics from the regional office of the Department of Tourism showed a consistent increase in tourists paying a visit to Masbate due to the growing popularity of its fine beaches.

        Last year, from July 2007 to last December, more than 73,000 tourists visited the province. Translated into earnings, these tourists turned over P35 million in gross receipts.

        The DOT also attributed the improvement in tourist arrivals in Masbate to the staging of “Rodeo Masbateño” Festival. (EADelgado, PIA Masbate)