Tourism exec: 'Negros Oriental is ready as Boracay alternative'

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The province of Negros Oriental is 85 percent "ready to become a Boracay alternative,” as hundreds of tourists are set to be diverted to other destinations following the impending closure of the famed summer island on April 26, a tourism official said.

"I know Bohol and Cebu are very much ready to welcome the possible surge of tourists. We are, too," Myla Mae Abellana, Negros Oriental tourism officer, told The Freeman at the sidelines of a workshop-conference to craft a strategic tourism roadmap for the province on Friday.

Abellana said that tourism officers from 25 cities and towns in Negros Oriental are confident to face the possible 20 percent increase in local and foreign visitors, as the closure of Boracay Island coincides with the peak period of tourists in the province.

"Statistically, most tourists come to the province on March, April, and May, since it's summertime," she said, adding that majority of them are domestic tourists.

Department of Tourism-7 Regional Director Shalimar Tamano, in his visit to Dumaguete on Thursday, said it is highly expected that this city will be a top destination after the Boracay closure, Abellana said.

Top Negros Oriental destinations that tourists are set to flock to are Apo Island in Dauin town, the Manjuyod Sand Bar also known as the "Maldives of the Philippines," the Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City, the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes in Sibulan, Lake Balanan and Tambobo Bay in Siaton, among others..

"Aside from the places, what tourists love about Negros Oriental is the warm hospitality of the locals, and the delicious yet affordable food served here," Tamano said.

The seven-year Strategic Roadmap, crafted by stakeholders from various sectors in the province, has taken into consideration the expected tourist spillover from Boracay, and will draw environmental lessons from the island as well. The plan will take place from 2018 to 2025.

"We need a plan nga maoy mo-guide nato sa atong next steps, that's why we are crafting a seven-year plan," Abellana said.

Included in the plan is to prioritize the protection of Negros Oriental's environmental assets so as not to have the same fate as Boracay, she said. "We welcome you to Negros Oriental. It's summertime. We hope you have a great time here and find another time to visit us again soon,” she added. (FREEMAN)