LGUs urged anew to push tourism sites

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) reiterated its call for local government units (LGUs) around the country to aggressively promote their tourism attraction and make tourism as one of their economic drivers.

DOT undersecretary for planning and promotions Eduardo Jarque said in an interview that there is a need for more LGUs to coordinate with the DOT office in their respective regions so that their potential tourism spots will be given attention and proper endorsement.

Last year, the department implemented a program that encouraged the active involvement of city councilors on how to develop tourism attractions in their respective areas.

It is aimed at encouraging local government executives to nurture their area of responsibility into a potential tourism attraction.

Jarque said developing passion for tourism trade among the public sector leaders in the LGU level plays a critical role in boosting tourism business in the Philippines, amid the economic difficulties.

"Everyone has to do their share, especially our local government leaders," Jarque said.

Aside from the beach component, the rural communities have a lot more to offer to both local and foreign tourists such as nature trekking, different forms of adventure tourism, and bird watching, among others.

Aside from attractions, rural folks can also take advantage of tourism to augment their livelihood such investing on, in offering souvenirs and local delicacies to tourists.

In the United States alone, adventure tourism is a US$450 million industry, the Philippines, which has ample of sites that can be developed for this type of activity to generate good tourism revenue, while providing local residents, especially rural people to earn livelihood from (adventure) tourism revenues.

Jarque added that LGUs in the Philippines, should take advantage of this opportunity, as each town across the country, has their own unique attractions that have potential to draw interest from adventurous travelers around the world.

In an earlier interview with DOT chief Joseph Ace Durano, he said that lack of appreciation to develop a potential place for tourism is one of the primary problems of LGU executives.

He said LGUs are now given various financial assistance windows for these kinds of projects (tourism related) through available funds offered by state-owned banks like Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

“It’s a matter of managing finances. LGUs now do not have excuse not to start develop a [tourism-related] facility in their respective place,” Durano said

Since the Philippines has identified its niche in nature tripping, adventure tourism, this is the ripe opportunity for LGUs to develop their areas, and make use of their natural resources as product for tourism.

Eco-tourism should be taken into serious consideration. Foreign travelers now, he said are demanding for nature-based activities and make use of the existing natural resources of a certain place.                     

“Eco-tourism is our niche. Let’s not try to be what we are not, or let us not try to be ‘Bangkok’. We have to see the example of some young LGU executives who are proactive in maximizing their respective area’s potential,” Durano said.— Ehda M. Dagooc   (BANATNEWS)