In the province of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City, the regular destinations include The Ruins and the Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City, the Silay City heritage houses, the Mambukal Mountain Resort in Murcia, among others. Aside from destinations, there is also food tourism, which has gained prominence among travel circles; along with adventure tourism.
Social media has also provided exposure for the Patag Mountain Resort in Silay City and Lakawon Island, off the coast of Cadiz City.
Amid numerous travel opportunities in the province, a greater effort is needed in producing innovative tour packages. There need to be transport vans carrying domestic tourists to various landmarks and enjoying the sites.
Tourism should not be dependent on festivals alone.
In addition, with major hotels putting up establishments in both Bacolod City and Iloilo City, smaller properties also need to provide attractive and affordable room rates, along with good food and hospitable service.
***
Kudos to Bacolod City Councilor Dindo Ramos, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on transportation and traffic, for having road safety signage put up.
Meanwhile, the signage is being installed at no cost to the city government.
***
Today, I am promoting the Western Visayas at an ongoing travel and tourism event in Region 3, or Central Luzon. Department of Tourism-Region VI (DOT-6) director, Atty. Helen Catalbas, sent a delegation to the event, comprised of myself, travel agents, tour operators, and hotel stakeholders.
I am the only DOT-6 accredited MICE (meeting, incentives, conventions, events/exhibitions) organizer in Negros Occidental.
While in the region, I visited the Puning Hot Spring in Porac, Pampanga, where lahar, a type of mud and debris flow, from Mt. Pinatubo covers the area.
Both foreign and domestic travelers were experiencing the hot spring, which means business.
***
This column greets Alvin Rongo, Tony Cacho, Raymund Javellana, Tangloy Tan, Mikey Benedicto, Gerard Mora, Rodel Parcon, Ping Jimenea, Ray Tabafunda, Christian Garrido, Richard Oquendo, Reuben Tampos, May Castro, Renato Novero, Hazel Ditching, Toto Tarrosa, and Danny Dangcalan./WDJ