CV’s rich religious culture eyed as new tourism lure

CEBU, Philippines — Largely known for its beaches and eco-tourism lures, this time Central Visayas (CV) is poised to capitalize on its rich religious tradition to bring in more tourists of special interests.

This is one of the directions that will be given attention by the newly appointed Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Joshur Judd Lanete II.

In an interview with Lanete, he said that while the region could expect big tourism-related surprises  by next year, immediate works on developing the existing potentials is imperative.

The new director mentioned promoting Simala Church in Marian Hills, Lindogon, Sibonga.

The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist or the Simala Shrine is just one of the known religious places in the country where thousands of devotees flock every day.

Lanete, who refers this kind of pilgrimage as part of the wide "faith tourism" said the region is rich with this kind of attraction, including already the mystical island of Siquijor.

The Simala Shrine pilgrimage tour can effectively be packaged together with the celebration of the Sinulog Festival every January.

Old churches spread across the towns in the region like the famous century-old churches in Bohol, Dumaguete and Siquijor are just teasers of the rich products that can be developed under the high potential and fast growing pilgrimage or faith tourism.

Bantayan Island in the northern tip of Cebu province, already made initial works on putting value on the potential of faith tourism on the island.

With the help of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the chamber's executive director May Elizabeth Ybañez said Bantayan Island is set to offer more attractions other than the beach and diving that it is already known for.

Bantayan, she said could be developed as a pilgrimage and heritage destination too.

Siquijor, on the other hand offers other interesting flavor in the "faith tourism" appeal. It is also believed to gravitate other market segments with special interest.

Faith tourism, also known as religious tourism, is a type of tourism where people travel individually or in groups for pilgrimage, missionary, or leisure (fellowship) purposes, such as the famous Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, among others. (FREEMAN)