The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently revealed Region VI, or the Western Visayas, was among seven selected regions to be promoted during a Focus Philippines roadshow stop in Goa, India, in an effort to attract more Indian tourists.

The event takes place next week, from July 25 to 28.

“DOT has identified India as one of the opportunity markets in the Philippines in generating tourist arrivals,” explained DOT-Region VI (DOT-6) director, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas. “DOT-6 will give [a] presentation about Western Visayas tourism to attract more Indian visitors.”

The regional director added, the event offers an opportunity to expose tourists to other areas in the region besides Boracay.

Earlier this month, DOT-6 revealed they were currently working on making the region globally competitive for Muslim tourists.

DOT Undersecretary Arturo Boncato, Jr. discussed matters such as Muslim-friendly services and facilities, along with the availability of halal food, or food permissible for consumption by followers of Islam.

Catalbas also pointed out, the region has seen an increase in visitors from Islamic countries

India’s neighbors, Pakistan and Bangladesh, are both majority Muslim countries./WDJ