Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano called on town mayors in the province to develop viable tourist destinations in their respective municipalities.
Durano issued the appeal after he expressed elation on the enthusiasm of LGU Sikatuna in developing the eco-tourism destination, the Sikatuna Tree Park.
Sikatuna Vice Mayor Tranquilina Maniwang received the DOT secretary's commendation for actively developing a site which was conceived in response to a call for an environment-friendly destination.
Town mayors hold a great role in developing new destinations, he stressed while urging them to be receptive and dynamic once tourism stakeholders will provide them with ideas on what are saleable to the visiting tourists.
Durano led tourism attaches of the country during a tree planting activity last Friday. The visiting tourism officials noted the dynamic interaction with the local residents in the area while town and barangay leaders led by Mayor Ireneo Calimpusan were there to welcome the tourism officials.
Sec. Durano said he picked the right place for his tourism attaches to hold their annual planning workshop. He admitted that other areas as Batangas, Palawan were also considered but it was Bohol which was chosen because of what it can offer for a truly "countryside tour."
The group also visited the Tarsier natural habitat in Corella town where Mayor Vito Rapal was on hand for the welcome reception. A lunch at Rio Grande Floating Resto in Loay town and fireflies watching at night completed the tour which came after their two-day working sessions at the Panglao Island Nature Resort. Loay Mayor May Imboy was also on hand to welcome the visiting tourism attaches.
They conducted resort inspection at new properties like Amarela, Amorita, Alona Palm, Eskaya and Peacock Garden where they had their lunch last Wednesday. - Bohol Chronicle