LGUs should work together to promote tourism
Iloilo City -- Former Tourism Secretary Narzalina Lim has recommended that the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras and Guimaras must work together to ensure that they get a fair share of tourist arrivals.
They should not be over dependent in one destination such as Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, she said.
Lim, who is also the President of the Asia Pacific Projects Inc. and consultant to the tourism industry, said Western Visayas should not solely depend on the present viability of Boracay as prime destination in the region.
She said the region is overly dependent on Boracay for its growth. Based on the 2004 record, 36.4 percent of total arrivals to Western Visayas were in Aklan or in inBoracay. The benefits of tourism should be spread to many provinces, cities and towns. "Prepare that Boracay, God forbids may not be the same jewel in the future."
She stressed the benefits of tourism in terms of jobs, livelihood and investment to the local government unit. The government-led infrastructure such as the nautical highway forces the local government to work together. All must get a fair share, she said.
Environmental issues such as the recent oil spill in Semirara, in the province of Antique are cross-border in nature and need inter-provincial cooperation. She said the oil spill problem will not only affect Antique but the nearby province of Aklan particularly Boracay.
Lim also asked the tourism planners of each province to classify their tourism package according to the needs of foreign tourists, Filipinos and neighboring provinces. Natural, historical, man-made attractions should be classified as whether they are attractive to domestic or international tourists or excursionists.
She added that foreign tourist also prefers a mix attraction. Not all of them want to stay in the beach. They look for variety of tour packages that they could enjoy during their vacation. Lim said the term world class destination is already abused in terms of tourism promotion.
The former secretary hopes that the participants in the summit will come up with a better packaging of their tourism programs not only promoting their respective provinces but the entire region.