MANILA – With the onset of the six-month closure of Boracay Island, the government has been urged to aggressively promote other Philippine tourist destinations – especially in poorer areas – to sustain the country’s tourism industry.
“While Boracay is undergoing rehabilitation, there are numerous beautiful and world-class destinations we can be proud of. This is an opportune time to help bring our other tourist spots to international recognition,” said Sen. Sonny Angara.
He cited Sorsogon, Leyte, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga, Catanduanes, and Siquijor – poorest provinces but potential tourist magnets because of their beautiful beaches.
To attract more tourists, Angara said local governments should invest in tourism and develop the necessary infrastructure that would make it easier for tourists to visit.
A boost in tourism would generate more jobs, which would in turn help alleviate poverty in these provinces, he explained.
However, Angara said these emerging tourist hotspots should be prepared for the expected surge of visitors.
One of the authors of the Tourism Act of the Philippines, Angara said Boracay should serve as a lesson to the tourism industry, and commended the government’s initiatives to check the status of other beach destinations – including El Nido and Coron in Palawan, Siargao in Surigao del Norte, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, and Panglao Island in Bohol – if they are environmentally compliant.
“We call on government agencies and local officials to strictly implement environmental laws and local ordinances so as to ensure their sustainable development,” Angara said. (PNA)
