With Boracay closed, other parts of the Western Visayas are looking to invite travelers. However, resorts should not take advantage of the scenario in terms of pricing, on the contrary, they should offer special rates. Taking advantage would make owners opportunists, who should be welcoming new clientele. Unfortunately, many do not believe in this approach; they just want a piece of the market made temporarily available with Boracay shuttered.

Once the island reopens, surely some will be opportunists as visitors will be looking to check out the tourist destination’s new look. Prices will take on a take-it-or-leave-it standard as owners will be trying to recoup losses from the closure.

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Pushing travel and tourism requires passion. A group of ardent industry individuals in the region have banded together as the Alliance of Travel, Tourism and Hospitality MICE (Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, and Exhibitions) Movers (ATTHOMM), focused on promoting tourism in the Western Visayas.

Among those involved include SMX Convention Center Branch Manager JB Ongsingco, tourism advocate Elsie Gonzaga, Joanne Yoshida, and entrepreneur Anna Liza Lacson. The Department of Tourism-Region VI (DOT-6) is expected to support the group, as DOT-6 director, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, will be happy with the development.

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This column greets Maui dela Cruz, Kim Martin Jimenez, Lyn Ortaliz, Novo Torres, Philip Lacson, Tina Gurrea-Garcia, Rudyard Mijares, Bing Garaygay, Levy Pangue, Caloi Mijares, Richard Oquendo, Richie Gamboa, Lenet Escamilla, and Sammy Montoyo./WDJ