Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Western Visayas urged to tap available resources to attract more tourists

Speaking before guests and participants during the opening of the Western Visayas Tourism Assembly on Monday, Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab said this region is a host to seven of the 10 best tourist destinations in the country, a great come-on for millions of tourists worldwide.

Palayab said with the facilities soon to be put in place like the airports, roads and bridges, time will come when tourists will not just be visiting Boracay Island, but also other parts of Panay and Negros Islands, two places playing host to various tourists attractions.

In his message, he said Dinagyang festival is already an institution that no longer require further promotion.
Likewise, he said the recent Maskara Festival of Bacolod City has proven its worth to be an institution too and has become known worldwide after 27 years.

He said the Philippines is known for its fiestas and festivals and "we never thought that these festivals could become economic opportunities."

Meanwhile, he noted the increasing number of arriving tourists in the country. Out of 800 million markets worldwide, 120 million are from the Asia-Pacific region which is a great challenge for everybody.

He stressed that the resources are already abundant and the national government is just there to complement what is already in place. He added that what is important is for those at the local level to "do meaningful actions to show to the whole world that the Filipinos maybe poor now but are never wanting in ideas." (PNA)

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