By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The tourism sector in Negros Occidental is now showing signs of recovery two years after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began.

In a radio interview, Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena said most of the province’s tourism establishments have already resumed full operations.

Other establishments, meanwhile, will also resume operations as soon as they complete the training and retraining of their personnel in order to equip them better in handling guests.

Decena said even though they are enticing tourists not to hesitate in visiting Negros Occidental, they are still observing the carrying capacity and minimum health protocols to prevent another surge in COVID-19 cases.

She also said they have noticed that a lot of cafes and small restaurants have popped up over the last two years.
Decena is elated with such development, pointing out it would further help generate employment among those who lost their jobs and livelihood during the pandemic.

The provincial tourism officer is also urging the cafe and small restaurant operators to accredit with the Department of Tourism during their Lakbayanihan Tourism Fair at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central from May 16 to 29 of this year./DGB, WDJ