Guv: Capitol boosting tourism potential

NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. emphasized the efforts of his administration to boost the tourism potential of the province.

Marañon said the province is trying to improve the road networks and other infrastructure support going to the potential tourist destinations to attract more tourists in the province.

He cited that tourist arrivals in the country reached only about P3 million last year compared to that of Singapore with 9 million tourists and Hong Kong with 8 million tourists in 2011.

In terms of land area and tourism potentials, Negros Occidental is far superior than Singapore and Hong Kong, said the governor. Moreover, Negrenses are very hospitable and possess warm, pleasing personalities.

On top of that, we can also speak English very well, said Marañon. English is considered the universal language, especially among tourists and businessmen.

Marañon said to attract more tourists, the country has to improve its airports, including those in small provinces with huge tourism potentials.

Marañon was the guest speaker during the tourism excellence awarding ceremonies spearheaded by the provincial tourism office in line with the ongoing tourism week celebration.