Manila: Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) is inviting foreign and local travelers to return and visit its destinations as the region seeks a rebound after being hit by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in June.

According to Philippines News Agency, overnight arrivals to the region increased in the first quarter of the year, but plummeted after the earthquake that severely affected Glan, Sarangani - its top destination in terms of same-day arrival. Almost two months since the tremors, Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 12 Director Nelia Arina said Sarangani and the rest of the region are slowly reopening and ready to accept guests again.

"We are ready after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. It's only the guests who are a bit reluctant because of what happened," Arina told the Philippine News Agency on the sidelines of the SOX Investment Tourism Forum in Para±aque City on Friday. She noted that there were numerous cancellations, including weddings, due to the venue damage. However, she emphasized that the region is prepared and safe for visitors.

Based on the latest data from DOT Region 12, overnight arrivals to Soccsksargen went down by 13.8% to 873,584 from January to June, compared to 1,014,088 during the same period last year. The same-day arrivals to the region also decreased from 5,266,475 last year to 4,464,896 from January to June this year.