Provincial government catches on tourism
SLT 1253
February 23 – March 1, 2024
Southern Leyte businesspersons and the provincial government in separate places simultaneously held activities for the tourism development of Southern Leyte last February 20, 2024.
In line with the thrust of Eastern Visayas on tourism, labelling Southern Leyte as the Dive Capital of the region, the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLCCI) traveled to Napantao, San Francisco, Southern Leyte to assess the status of the town in terms of readiness as a tourist destination.
The Napantao marine life has been reported by international divers, particularly the British non-government organization Coral Cay Conservation, as a world-class dive site with rare marine species, along with the awesome dive sites in Padre Burgos and Limasawa Island. All three dive sites are located in Southern Leyte.
The business organization members experienced first-hand the existence, or none, of necessary facilities in Napantao; and some engaged in snorkeling and dive activities. They also discussed how SLCCI can support this province’s natural treasure in terms of investment, with the foresight of boosting a sustainable economic development for that area in Panaon Island.
SLCCI’s trip to San Francisco is only a starter of the planned visits to possible tourist destinations in Southern Leyte, keeping in mind business and economic development opportunities in these places.
Meanwhile, the newly formed Provincial Tourism Council and the Provincial Culture and Arts Council, jointly discussed the plans and activities for the province. Aside from the information on the upcoming celebration of the First Easter Mass 1521 in Limasawa on March 31, 2024, the council members agree that tourism can be promoted in a month-long series of activities by various groups of stakeholders in the next years to come.
An initial draft of the Five-Year Tourism Development Plan for Southern Leyte was presented by the research team of Southern Leyte State University, which solicited feedbacks from the council members.
In the meeting, the SLCCI was mentioned to help as investors in diving related businesses, as dive resort and tour operator, accommodation and food provider. Gastronomic tourism with locally original dishes and delicacies lined up can be incorporated as part of tourism promotion.
Cultural engagement and adventure experience are other tourism aspects that need to be closely looked into. Experiencing the culture of Southern Leyte does not need big investment but only creativity. And to entice the entire family and the young generation, water sports activities can also be done in Sogod Bay. These were among the inputs given by the council members during the joint Provincial Tourism Council and Provincial Culture and Arts brainstorming. (GMReyes)
