By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A total of 2,222 tourism-related workers were displaced in Negros Occidental due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Data from the Provincial Tourism Office showed that of the total number, majority of those displaced are working in accommodation facilities pegged at 954 workers.

Also incurring big job losses are workers from the food and beverage sectors at 621 and tour and transport services including island hopping boats workers at 156.

In sports and recreation facilities, 123 lost their jobs, tour guides/trike guides/boat guides – 68 and tour and travel agencies – 51.

The records also showed that wellness sector had 58 displaced workers. Other related but unclassified job losses of the local tourism reached 191.

Provincial tourism officer Jennylind Cordero said that the government should support the local tourism industry so it will rise up again.

Meanwhile, about 79 resorts and accommodation facilities in the province have expressed intention to reopen following several months of closure caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. But most of the establishments are only accepting local residents./DGB, WDJ