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AFTER years of planning, the Department of Tourism (DOT) on September 6 finally rolled out the One Visayas tourism circuits, offering curated itineraries and packages across the country.
Three tour circuits centered on dive, heritage and gastronomy were launched in a ceremony attended by public and private stakeholders at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
DOT Region 6 director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez said the launch signals improved connectivity across the Visayas, enabling the region to better serve both domestic and international travelers.
The three tour circuits – UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Heritage and Gastronomy Trails, Diving Expeditions in the Visayas and Heritage Trails and Cultural Discoveries – are the first of many being identified for validation in the Visayas.
The heritage circuit will showcase UNESCO-recognized sites and diverse culinary traditions, covering Bacolod City and Iloilo City for the Negros Island and Western Visayas Regions; Tacloban and Samar in Eastern Visayas; and Cebu and Bohol in Central Visayas.
The Diving Expeditions, on the other hand, will welcome both beginner and seasoned divers to the stunning underwater gardens in Balicasag Island, whale shark-visited Sogod Bay, and the Nogas Island in Antique, to name a few. It will cover Iloilo, Antique, Bohol, Southern Leyte and Limasawa Island.
The Heritage Trails and Cultural Discoveries, meanwhile will highlight the unique cultural identity in the Visayas and allow travelers to explore local customs.
The tour circuit will feature Cebu, Dumaguete, Valencia, Iloilo, Capiz, Guimaras, and Tacloban.
“These are just initial circuits that have been developed for this year. We can do so much more and we can add as we continue to enhance and prepare our attractions in the different parts of Visayas,” Rodriguez said.
DOT Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Tiopes said the agency had been exploring ways to establish a tour program that would span all three Visayas regions since several administrations ago.
But challenges from connectivity to product offerings made it difficult for the initiative to move forward.
She said the One Visayas launch is a reflection that a number of destinations in the region are more than ready to accommodate all kinds of tourists.
In terms of air travel, several flights are operational between Visayas provinces and the country’s main gateways, including Manila.
Cebu Pacific alone is servicing nine airports in the Intra-Visayas network, including Cebu, Bacolod, Calbayog, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Boracay, Tacloban, and Bohol.
Tourists interested to experience the three circuits may reach out to the DOT partner tour operators in Western Visayas, Cebu and Bohol. (PNA)
