JORDAN – The island-province of Guimaras is being overwhelmed by tourists looking for new places of respite following the closure of Boracay Island for a much needed rehabilitation.
The surge in tourist arrivals is a challenge, according to Gov. Samuel Gumarin whose province is known for its pristine beaches and sweet mangoes.
“Daw indi masarangan (It’s hard to cope with),” Gumarin said, especially citing the local transport sector.
The means of transport to the island are motorboats.
Gumarin, however, expressed confidence in the resilience of the Guimarasnons to meet this new but welcome challenge.
Following Boracay’s closure, Guimaras tourism officer Liberty Ferrer observed an increase in the trips (from the usual 15 to 21) of boats plying the Iloilo City – Guimaras route.
She cited the crowding of tourists at the wharves in Buenavista and Jordan towns.
Aside from its world-famous sweet mangoes, Gumarin said, Guimaras is counting on its tourism industry to further improve its economy.
Yesterday, Guimaras kicked off its 2018 Manggahan Festival, another tourist-draw.
The first day of the annual festivity attracted spectators. Activities included a sponsors and stakeholders’ parade, street dance competition, agri-trade and tourism fair, photo exhibit and the mango eat-all-you-can event.
Ferrer said tourists also annually visit the island for the well-known Lenten presentation Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid, the re-enactment of the passion and death of Christ.
This year, Pagtaltal attracted some 50,000 tourists, said Ferrer.
As far as tourism establishments like hotels and resorts are concerned, a lot needed to improve, too, added Ferrer./PN
