Bus accident won't dampen tourism climate in Balamban

CEBU, Philippines - Former Department of Tourism Regional Director Patria Roa is optimistic that the recent accident in Balamban will not affect the town’s tourism initiatives.

“Accidents do happen,” Roa said, adding, that she hopes the accident will not diminish Cebu’s reputation as a tourism destination, as there is yet more that Cebu can offer to tourists.

The town made the headlines recently when a tourist plummeted into a bus in Barangay Cansamuroy the other day. At least 17 died while many other passengers were suffered injuries. The bus was carrying about 70 mostly Iranian passengers who were on a beach outing.

In a forum at the Marco Polo Plaza yesterday, Roa said they are working on an open sky policy for Cebu through the so-called “Asians Agreement,” which would enable tourists from other Asian countries to fly to Cebu easily. Roa said an open sky policy would be beneficial to Cebu and would attract investments.

Among the destinations being pushed these days is the western town of Aloguinsan with its beaches and other tourism-related activities such as a river cruise and a tour that aims to educate tourists why the town is protecting its birds and fishes.

Present in the forum were Jenny Franco of Travel Vision, Ricky Poca, Boboi Costas, and Jovelyn Manigus, president of Aloguinsan’s Bojo River Ecotourism Project. – THE FREEMAN