SLT 1252
February 17-23, 2024
SOUTHERN LEYTE – The Department of Tourism Eastern Visayas (DOT-EV) office is drumming up for more tourists in the region. Encouraged by the success in 2023 on cruise tourism, the regional office is strengthening this strategy by trying to discover new sites capable of accommodating an increasing number of tourists participating in cruise activities. One supplier of tourists is the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ MS Europa, which has steadily grown as a key player in the cruise tourism industry.
Popular destinations in the cruise itinerary include Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte, Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte, Kalanggaman Island and Cuatro Islas in Leyte province, Capul Island in Northern Samar, Canigao Island, Tacloban City, Palo in Leyte, Maripipi and Sambawan in Biliran, and Biri Island in Northern Samar.
Limasawa Island holds historical significance as the site of the First Mass in the Philippines, offering not only a rich historical experience but also pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and a stunning lagoon. Canigao Island, located in Matalom, south of Leyte, is celebrated for its picturesque white sand beaches and Leyte’s oldest lighthouse, providing travelers with a refreshing retreat.
Some major stakeholders in Southern Leyte are making efforts to catch up with the tourism boost in the Visayas, such as the provincial government and the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce (SLCCI).
Late last year, the provincial government of Southern Leyte formed the Provincial Tourism Council and the Provincial Culture and Arts Council, which roles complement each other. And on February 20, 2024 these two councils are meeting to assess and plot out the plans and activities for the province.
Involved in the joint meeting are the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee Chairpersons on Tourism and the Culture and Arts, provincial officers on tourism, planning and development, budget, health, PDRRM, PENR, DILG; and representatives of the Department of Education, academe, local historical/heritage society, local museums, local artists, SLCCI, youth sector, dive resorts, religious pilgrimage sites, transport, tour guide associations, travel and tour agencies, and souvenir/ delicacy/handicraft shop owners association.
Likewise, the business sector through the Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce is holding its monthly meeting at Napantao, San Francisco, Southern Leyte to have an ocular inspection of the area that has been hailed by the Coral Cay Conservation, a non-government organization, as a world-class dive site. The readiness and needs of the place as a tourist destination are to be looked into. Snorkeling and diving are activities that some SLCCI members are scheduled to experience. (gmreyes, avista)
