The Department of Tourism (DOT-6) will hold a “consultation and updating session” this month to come up with ways on how the tourism sector in Guimaras can get back on its feet.
DOT-6 Director Helen J. Catalbas, in an interview on Wednesday, Sept. 11, said they would invite officials from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG-6) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA-6), local leaders, tour operators and tourism stakeholders in Guimaras to the session.
“How should we reposition Guimaras as a tourist destination at this point in time? Should we stop for a while promoting Guimaras until it has fixed its problems or despite all the problems, we keep on promoting but with certain conditions?”
These, Catalbas said, are among the “so many questions” that they need to answer during the session.
“I cannot meddle with the mandates of other government agencies because of the interagency courtesy. The local goverment units. (LGUs) have also their own mandates to do,” she stressed.
Tourism is one of the sectors in Guimaras that have been greatly affected by the sea tragedy early last month.
Three pumpboats capsized after being hit by strong winds and huge waves. A total of 31 passengers died in the sea mishap.
After what happened, MARINA imposed stricter measures to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents.
“The effect is really negative for Guimaras.Several groups have cancelled their trips to the island province and one of the reasons is the uncertainty of the availability of water transport,” Catalbas said.
In a report by radio station RMN-Iloilo, Guimaras’ tourist arrivals went down due to the tragedy.
Based on data from the Provincial Tourism Office, the number of tourists visiting the province decreased by 73 percent in August this year compared to the same month a year ago.IMT
