WESTERN Visayas welcomed over 5.36 million tourists last year, generating approximately P70 billion in tourist receipts, data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed. These figures affirm the region’s being a top tourist destination.
As the region continues to enchant visitors with its pristine beaches and vibrant cultural offerings, ensuring the safety of tourists has never been more crucial. DOT’s enforcement of strict lifeguard requirements at beach resorts and pools is a smart step. This significantly bolsters tourist confidence, which is essential for sustaining and growing Western Visayas’ tourism industry.
The presence of trained lifeguards, skilled in swimming, first aid, and rescue operations – a critical component for DOT tourism accreditation – ensures that tourists enjoy not only the natural beauty of the region but also a safe and secure environment. This is particularly vital in a region that hosts myriad beaches and aquatic attractions, including the renowned Boracay Island. Tourists need to feel secure in their environment, knowing that they are in the capable hands of professionals equipped to handle any emergency.
DOT Region 6’s point that accredited resorts must maintain such standards to uphold the integrity of their accreditation highlights a broader commitment to excellence in service and safety. This focus on stringent safety measures is about building a robust framework that supports the entire tourism ecosystem.
The corollary active campaign by the DOT for local government units (LGUs) to encourage non-accredited establishments to seek accreditation further underscores the importance of a unified approach to tourist safety. LGUs play a crucial role in this, as they issue operating licenses and can mandate safety standards. Their involvement ensures that safety measures extend beyond the accredited enterprises to include all tourist attractions, thereby creating a universally safe environment for all visitors.
This approach to safety is a model for other regions, demonstrating that prioritizing tourist safety is indispensable in cultivating a thriving tourism sector. It reassures potential visitors that their destinations are not only beautiful but also safe, and their well-being is a top priority.
By continuing to enhance safety measures, Western Visayas significantly boosts tourist confidence, ensuring that the region remains a preferred choice for travelers from around the globe.
Yes, safety is also a tourist attraction.
