Manila, Sept. 4 -- The provincial government of Guimaras and the association of dragon fruit growers in the province kicked off the fourth year of its Dragon Fruit Fest on Thursday.

The annual festival is aimed at supporting the dragon fruit growers in their marketing and in boosting tourism.

It also serves as a strategic response to mango off-season by offering dragon fruits as a high-value alternative to attract tourists.

Francis Gentoral, Provincial Economic and Development Officer and concurrent Tourism Officer, said for the past three years, the festival gathered close to 15,000 tourists and generated some PHP22 million in tourism receipts.

"We continue doing this festival as a means to provide additional income for dragon fruit ...