Visayas tourism players told to maximize online presence

CEBU, Philippines — If the entire Visayas wants to maximize its tourism potential, it has to flood the online windows with videos and pictures that feature hundreds of tourism gems in the region.

This was the suggestion made by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president George Barcelon noting the lack of promotional initiatives done by some  local government units (LGUs) in the Visayas corridor to make use of the internet as ultimate, non-expensive promotional platform.

“Share more of your beautiful travel stories, and photos about your island online. There’s a lot of locals who haven’t been to your place and one way to attract them is to bombard them with all these breathtaking photos of beaches, caves and other attractions,” Barcelon urged not only the LGUs in the Visayas, but also the region's residents.

Expressing belief that Visayas island can reap more from tourism if promoted very well, he further recommended that sharing simple videos or photos of a place, no matter how remote, will go a long way.

At this age when “sharing” videos and photos online have become popular among the younger generation, this trend should be embraced fully in order to capitalize tourism potential in any part of the Visayas.

Producing more online contents can reach more travelers who will be intrigued with Visayas like never before.

A destination in Leyte for instance called Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, is one of the few examples, whose popularity was mainly driven by viral videos and photos showcasing the gorgeous paradise island in Leyte.

Barcelon added that the online evolution, which has keep people connected, is making everyone discover the rich tourism assets that are worth sharing, and Visayas for one has hundreds of beautiful less promoted tourism gems.  (FREEMANNEWS)