Albay Gov. Salceda: We’re not promoting disaster tourism

The number of tourists visiting Albay has multiplied almost four times since 2009, a report from GMA's “24 Oras” said on Friday.

 

According to the report, the number of tourists from 235,857 in 2009 swelled to 874,458 in 2013.

Since Mayon displayed restiveness mid-September there have been at least 18,000 visitors.

 

But Albay Governor Joey Salceda said they are not encouraging disaster tourism although the increase in visitors helps drive tourism in their province.

 

“We don't promote disaster tourism. It's as if naman that were so happy that people are suffering. It's safe to watch the volcano erupting. That's what I was saying. It's up to you to come or not,” Salceda said.
 

Albay was recently declared an open city for the easier delivery of relief goods to evacuation centers. —Andrei Medina/NB, GMA News