ILOILO – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Western Visayas has ordered all provinces to have tourism plans and have these approved by their respective Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) before 2019 ends.
The tourism plans would serve as “blueprints” of tourism goals, programs and projects included in the provinces’ Annual Investment Plans, among others.
In Iloilo, the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) targets to have its tourism plan approved by the new SP before this year is over.
According to PTO chief Gilbert Marin, the SP’s approval of the tourism plan will pave the way for more support of the Iloilo provincial government to various tourism programs.
The PTO is also seeking for a bigger budget to plan out and initiate programs.
“Tourism contributes a large percentage to our local economy,” said Marin, adding that tourism is a “very strong sector” in the province of Iloilo.
The province has an existing tourism plan which is being reviewed every three years.
One of the tourist spots that the province can be proud of is its farm destinations. Marin said the PTO is currently working on local tour packages in the farm tourism circuit, especially in the 3rd District.
“The 3rd District is the agricultural destination in the province. They have very beautiful, well-equipped, and standard inland farm resorts,” said Marin. (PNA/PN)
Its very relevant that Iloilo is enhancing its tourism packages. Cebu will be hosting the 6th National Farm Tourism Conference in Nov 6-8, and as one of the event organizers ( together with the International School ofvSustainable Tourism) , CATOS, an org of tour operstors, would like to connect with stakeholders and cross sell and do a lot together.? May I know who to contact? This is Alice K. Queblatin, Pres. of Catos. email: alice. southwind@gmail.com.