Tourists expected to flock Cebu eco-tourism places

CEBU, Philippines - The southern part of Cebu is expected to be flooded with tourists during the Lenten season, said the Department of Tourism (DOT-7).

DOT-7 regional director Rowena Montecillo said that eco-tourism related destinations are going to be the top choice of tourists specifically local travelers during the week-long Lenten vacation.

Towns like Boljoon, Oslob, Samboan and Santander, otherwise known as BOSS cluster are now becoming popular among local and foreign tourists, as eco-tourism destinations are taking the center stage in the travel itineraries.

Aside from these four popular towns in the southern stretch of Cebu, destinations with inviting beaches are also expected to be visited by tourists.

Bantayan Island will always expect more tourists -- local and foreign, not only for its white-sand beaches, but also because its fiesta celebration, and known as the Lenten Capital of the Visayas for years.

In a separate interview with former president Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association (HRRAC) Hans Hauri, he said that aside from heightened promotions for the hot tourists’ destinations in the Philippines, strengthened by DOT campaign, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” the attractive offers of airlines augmented the interest of Filipinos to travel within the country.

  “The domestic market has grown, because the supply has grown,” Hauri said referring to the massive promotions of different charming destinations in the Philippines, which also got interest from the international travel market.

  Land transportation services also has improved not just the number of routes, but also the convenience in traveling inland, and through sea transport.

  According to Montecillo the agency is expecting movement of people across the country and overseas beginning the first week of April in time for the Lenten Season.

  April 2 and April 3 are declared regular holidays in observance of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday while April 4, Black Saturday, is declared a special (non-working) day in the country. Some firms have declared April 1, a half-working day to allow their employees to head to their provinces early.

 Montecillo said other tourists, or even balikbayans are also taking advantage if the season, to do local pilgrimage activities. The southern part of Cebu is known for its heritage and culture richness.

Meanwhile, Edwin Ortiz, one of the directors of DOT promotions board, upland destination is becoming more popular, and bookings for home-stay in the highland sites in Cebu is increasing, including full bookings for the Lenten week. (FREEMAN)