The provincial government of Negros Occidental is aiming to restore its rank as among the most visited provinces in Western Visayas during the pre-pandemic period, disclosed Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz recently.
Aklan, where Boracay island is located, was ranked the top tourist destination area in Western Visayas, according to the Department of Tourism 6.
“If we could get a big share of incoming guests coming into the country, that will be our target, he added.
During the pre-pandemic years, DOT6 reported that Negros Occidental was ranked the second most visited tourism destination in Western Visayas, next only to Boracay.
Diaz also said that Negros Occidental ranked third among the most visited province in the region.
According to Diaz, the provincial government has already started organizing tourism groups to digitize, “so that our guests can see on line what they can see in Negros, get reservations and pay, as well as choose our tour packages.”
“Later on we can have all our hotels, the Mambukal Wildlife Sanctuary and the Negros Residences can be booked online,” he said
Diaz, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Negros Occidental Tourism Week celebration in Bacolod City, said that this year’s theme “Rethinking Tourism”, which means incorporating “responsibility with sustainable development” is not just the usual “leisure and service,” but also the protection and conservation of flora and fauna, as what they did at the Mambukal Mountain Resort.
“We want to inculcate to all tourism officers in Negros Occidental that while we accept guests, we should also take care of nature, take care of our garbage, take care of their impact in communities, wherever they go,” Diaz said. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds photo by tvds)