[ Manila Bulletin Online ] April 25, 2008
ILOILO CITY — The government will focus on community-based tourism as it now recognizes its potential to help boost local economies.
Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano stressed on this point during his recent visit in Guimaras Island, noting that community-based tourism will thrives where there is active support coming from various sectors, especially teachers and studentsnewly launched Guisi Discovery Quest.
Durano said community-based tourism focuses on three elements, namely, tourist experience with nature, tourist experience community life, and the actual tourism services provided by the community.
"These are the three elements we see here in the Guisi and I hope that all of you would be able to experience the various products under the Guisi Discovery Quest," said Durano.
Durano emphasized that more rural areas in the country are now being benefited by tourism. One example was the whale shark watching in Donsol and the game fishing in Siargao.
He said President Arroyo was in Siargao in Surigao del Sur recently to open the First Siargao Game Fishing Invitational Tournament. The island is now known worldwide because of the event, aside from its attraction of being one of the world’s best surfing destinations.
On the Guisi Discovery Quest, Durano said initially it will be developed into domestic tourism and once the community has the capability and experience it will be taken into international tourism.
"Simula pa lang ito. We will continue to be here to develop, hindi lang itong Guisi but also the other attractions in Guimaras," said Durano.
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