TACLOBAN
CITY, March 30 (PNA) –- The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the private sector
will take the lead in the promotion of tourist destinations in Eastern Visayas
as election fever hits local government officials.
DOT Regional
Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said that tourism activities should not be
disrupted with campaign activities more so that many tourists will be coming to
the region this summer.
“Our goal is
to have the private sector lead the promotion. We should not stop because we
have a lot of areas operated by people’s organization. If we will not support
them, they will not earn this summer,” Tiopes said.
Early this
year, the tourism department and stakeholders joined the Travel Tour Expo 2016
and ASEAN Tourism Forum, both held in Metro Manila. The events provide venue
for the region to showcase ideal destinations this summer.
“We’re able
to establish links with foreign and Manila-based tour operators who are looking
at Region 8 for historical tours and adventure activities,” she added.
In the past
few weeks, the national government have invested on training of local tourism
workers in the bid to enhance their quality of services.
The DOT
expects influx of tourist to tourist-ready destination such as the Kalanggaman
Island in Palompon, Leyte; Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge in Basey, Samar;
Ulot River extreme boat ride in Paranas, Samar; Biri Rock formations in Biri,
Northern Samar; and diving sites in Southern Leyte.
“Our
promotion will also cover other sites because we can capitalize on the volume
of traffic going to icon destinations to promote nearby tourism sites,” Tiopes
told PNA.
The National
Economic Development Authority (NEDA) tagged tourism as one the region’s
economic growth driver. Revenue from tourism activities in Eastern Visayas rose
to PHP8.08 billion in 2015 from PHP7.09 billion a year ago.
Tourism
activities have increased hotel accommodations to 6,314 in 2015 or a 67 percent
growth than a year ago. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO
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