TACLOBAN CITY-The Department of Tourism (DOT) here in the region is pushing to make Eastern Visayas a top tourism draw.
Karina Rosa Tiopes, DOT regional director, said they are encouraged on the high inquiries that they are receiving among potential tourists who want to visit the region.
“It has been observed that we have been receiving a lot of feedback even those from nearby regions expressed their awe that Eastern Visayas is so rich. The natural resources are so beautiful and the attractions are wonderful,” the tourism regional director said.
Tiopes said the region needs a little push from the national government under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The DOT regional director, however, said that lack of necessary facilities and structures could hamper their campaign to attract more tourists to visit the region.
Tiopes cited the lack of airport in Maasin City saying tourists who want to see the beautiful diving sites in Southern Leyte mostly travel from Tacloban City which is about four hours away.
“The guests, who are mostly foreigners, have to travel by land for four hours before reaching Southern Leyte. They spend more time travelling than doing their activities there,” the DOT director said.
With the promise of the current administration to level the playing field and give opportunities for the regions who are less develop to grow, then it is high time that regions like Eastern Visayas, which has lots of potential, will be given attention in terms of promotions, Tiopes said.
“There is too much to offer in our region. We already have tourist-ready areas or products in our region. It’s just that we were not given that break to be included in international or even national promotions,” she said.
“If we are given the support by our head office, particularly by the tourism promotions board or finance or include us in the collaterals that they prepare, that could be a big push for Eastern Visayas,” Tiopes added. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
