The SONA and tourism in Eastern Visayas

Tourism is it – for the Visayas. This was a major part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, July 23.
           
In several issues this year, I have mentioned tourism as a major strategy for accelerating the development of Region VIII.
           
We still need to do a lot in many aspects of tourism, but we are gaining ground and learning how to do it in our own unique way. Remember the festivals and our historical and scenic attractions?
           
Improving infrastructure is a major part of this strategy that also includes  getting the private business sector to chip in their much-needed investments and getting travel agencies to take notice and promote our destinations.
           
Our best bet is Calicoan Island, in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. A surfing eden mentioned by the President.
           
Tourism development will be a major strategy for developing the Central Philippines super region, which includes Eastern Visayas.
           
What would the state of tourism in Eastern Visayas be by then?
           
Things are looking good. Data from the Department of Tourism shows an increase in tourist arrivals from 150,546 in 2005 to 206,684 in 2006. The government is improving the airport, road and water supply in Calicoan.

Local government units are aware of the need to plan tourism development and come up with activities that will attract more tourists. These include legislation that will give incentives to business and fund tourism activities.
           
Private businesses have set up restaurants and hotels to cater to tourists.
           
Right now, we still need to increase our efforts and work in the same direction. Harmony is a key principle. This may be obvious but in many ways we still have to get our act together.

The SONA should reassure us that we are moving in the right direction and the national government will help us in promoting tourism as a means of increasing our economic growth.