WEC delegates arrive in Tagbilaran

CEBU, Philippines - At least 169 delegates of the 5th World Eco-tourism Conference (WEC) held in Cebu City arrived in this city yesterday for a "technical tour," even as the province is still reeling from the destruction wrought by the Oct. 15 earthquake.

They were welcomed by Bohol tourism officials, including Provincial Tourism Council chairman Lucas Nunag, Provincial Tourism officer Jo Cabarrus, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Mans Tumanda and Provincial Board Member Benjie Arcamo, chairman of the tourism committee.

The visitors, including foreign delegates, went on a sight-seeing tour of the Chocolate Hills, Sandugo (Blood Compact) Shrine, Baclayon church, Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella town, world-famous Loboc River cruise and the newly opened South Palms Beach Resort in Panglao town.

The Bohol tourism industry, despite the earthquake devastation, has been on a roll until today. According to the Bohol Tourism Office, a total of 400,090 tourists visited the province last year. For the month of January this year, at least 25,000 tourists came here, although this number was less than the more than 29,000 visitors in the same period last year.  (FREEMAN)