Not tourism-friendly?
Just recently, PHIVOLCS made their findings on the mysterious "blue river" in Barangay Masaplod, Dauin, in Negros Oriental. According to residents, the clear water of the river turned blue after a 4.7-magnitude earthquake hit the town last January. Experts said that the water turned blue because of a chemical reaction brought about by the shaking of the ground which paved the way for another source of water to mix with the current river water. They ruled that it is safe for swimming and washing, but not potable water. Despite that, a lot of people still flocked to the mysterious blue water to enjoy the unique view and the cold temperature of the water.
The town said they are still studying how to make do with the newly discovered place and if they could maximize it as a tourist attraction. A tourism expert who is now in Negros Oriental said that the province is not that tourism-friendly –citing different factors to consider such as security and accessibility. There are only a few spots in the province that could simply be reached with a few bus rides, but the rest are for one to discover.
What is the implication when called unfriendly? It could be a basis for potential visitors to shun away from the places that we have been taking care of so others might see. This could also discourage foreign investors from investing in the place. All these minute details comprise a chunk of our economy that could boost a province's status.
In Bohol, tourism is what keeps them going. Cebu and Siquijor are also boastful of the different attractions that they have to offer. We cannot deny that our country is rich in places that attract not just foreigners but even locals. That being said, it's our duty to preserve these places so a lot of people may see and appreciate them.
Words are just opinions that may be subjective to others. What's important is we are doing our part in the community as the hosts. Foreigners often comment that the Filipinos are a happy people, thus it draws them to keep on coming back. It wouldn't hurt to show off your smile and extend a helping hand once in a while.
I am excited for the many directions that Negros Oriental and the rest of the province is going to take in the world of tourism. With social media as one area to boost promotion, there so much work to do both in the private and public sector. As outsiders, it is our duty to make sure that the clean name of the provinces of Central Visayas is preserved for good feedback in our tourism.
We may not be tourism-friendly as standards go, but we can always learn from the experts and apply these to the daily things that we do. I can't wait for our places to be the word of mouth in other countries. I bet it would send a chill down my spine, I'd be very proud.
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