The Department of Tourism (DOT-6) is gearing up for the launch of a campaign that seeks to promote the island province of Guimaras as a safe tourist destination.
Lawyer Helen J. Catalbas, DOT-6 director, said the campaign will be officially launched before the end of the year.
“We have yet to discuss the timeline,” she said.
The tourism industry of Guimaras has been affected by the August 3, 2019 sea trageday, which left 31 pumpboat passengers dead.
According to the tourism department, Guimaras’ tourist arrivals went down by 73 percent after the sea mishap.
The province recorded 19, 439 tourist arrivals in August and 16, 908 in September. The figures were way lower compared to 49, 295 and 31, 856, in the same months a year ago.
Catalbas appealed to everyone to help them promote Guimaras.
“Let’s post (on social media) positive things about Guimaras,” she said.
The regional director also urged the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to strictly enforce measures to ensure the safety of passengers from Iloilo to Guimaras and vice versa.IMT
PHOTO CREDITS: CLARK ANTIQUIERA
