US tourist David Boyd enjoying his visit to Buwakan ni Alejandra in Balamban, Cebu City. (Photo courtesy of David Boyd)
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) –- The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 7 has highlighted that Region 7 is a growing tourism sector, significantly contributing to local revenue generation and employment opportunities.
According to DOT 7 regional director Judy Dela Cruz Gabato, Central Visayas has contributed to the national tourism revenue, supported by a wide range of offerings and activities that attract local and international visitors.
“The whole Central Visayas adds to that the most numbered highest revenue. As you can see, we have so many developments. Even with the programs of the Department of Tourism Region 7, we have diverse offerings, with diving and other very popular activities,” she said.
Gabato added that the region offers a diverse program from accommodation facilities to eco-tourism sites that not only boost the local economy but also create numerous employment opportunities, including community tour guides and frontliners.
A key factor in the region’s success is the strong partnership between the DOT and local government units (LGUs), who play a vital role in managing and maintaining tourism sites.
Gabato emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism practices, with LGUs working alongside the DOT to ensure safeguard for the environment and cultural heritage as visitor numbers grow.
“We have a very strong partnership with our tourism stakeholders and the local government units because they’re the ones managing the sites, maintaining the sites,” she said.
Gabato said that the Filipino brand of service remains a cornerstone of the region.
Frontliners and community tour guides undergo extensive training in hospitality and guest relations to ensure an excellent experience for all visitors.
“We have trained a lot of frontliners, even the community tour guides, the Filipino brand of it, service of excellence training, the handling of guests, the gestures, warm welcome, ang atong pag-smile na mapakita na tinud-anay (showing our real smile),” she said.
The region has become even more accessible to tourists through transportation options. Currently, Cebu has 13 international flights and 27 domestic flights, making it a convenient gateway to the Central Visayas.
One of the tourists, Vincent Mikulenas of Lithuania, lauded the region for its marine life after experiencing his first-ever scuba diving adventure.
Vincent Mikulenas of Lithuania visits Siquijor’s old enchanted Balete tree. (Photo courtesy of Vincent Mikulenas)
“The activity I enjoyed the most was actually scuba diving and snorkeling because I never did that. And here, the marine life is very extravagant and beautiful,” he said.
Mikulenas said that he found the region truly captivating and expressed enjoyment of his overall experience.
“I would visit again because I really like the people, the atmosphere, the climate, people, and culture, especially moving from the provinces here is like heaven,” he said.
Meanwhile, David Boyd from the US, who recently visited Cebu, also expressed his admiration of the natural beauty of tourist attractions in Cebu.
“The beaches and the weather, I also enjoyed the food. It was really good. It’s very scenic, very nice,” he said.
Both Mikulenas and Boyd shared their intention to return, having thoroughly enjoyed their time and experience in the region. (MSH/PIA 7 Cebu)
