Food helps spur tourism growth in NegOcc

Negros Occidental officials led by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. (seated, 3rd from left) and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (seated, 3rd from right) with Provincial Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Cristine Mansinares (seated right), tourism officers, private sector partners and DOT-Western Visayas representatives during the Food Parade at Provincial Capitol's Social Hall in Bacolod City Monday, September 17. (Contributed Photo)
Negros Occidental officials led by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. (seated, 3rd from left) and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (seated, 3rd from right) with Provincial Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Cristine Mansinares (seated right), tourism officers, private sector partners and DOT-Western Visayas representatives during the Food Parade at Provincial Capitol's Social Hall in Bacolod City Monday, September 17. (Contributed Photo)

THE continuous growth in the tourism industry of Negros Occidental is also attributed to the province’s rich culinary sector.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., who spoke at the Food Parade at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City on Monday, said Negros Occidental has been visited by domestic and foreign tourists mainly because of its cuisines, aside from the many tourism destinations.

Marañon said what sets the province’s food apart from those in Metro Manila is its quality. “The cuisines here are freshly served from farms and seas to the tables.”

“The tourism industry of Negros Occidental is increasing by leaps and bounds because of our food,” he said, adding that “our delightful cuisines are even made more delicious by Negrenses sweet smiles.”

The annual food parade is part of the 18th Negros Occidental Tourism Week celebration running from September 14 to 21.

The activity gathered wide-variety of truly Negrense delicacies showcased by every city and municipality in Negros Occidental.

In his speech, the governor noted that the province has 17 percent annual growth in terms of the number of tourists it caters.

Thus, the local tourism industry has big potential and it has multiplier effect down to the small sectors like sari-sari stores and pedicab drivers, Marañon said.

“Negros Occidental is blessed with abundant food. Not only that, Negrenses have the ability in preparing these cuisines with tender love and care,” he added.

For his part, Provincial Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Cristine Mansinares affirmed that food is one of the reasons why people travel to Negros Occidental.

Mansinares said they hope that the culinary offerings showcased at the food parade will also be served regularly among local hotels and restaurants.

The province's food guide is ready for the launching in time for the Negros Trade Fair in Metro Manila this month.

"This is one of our efforts to boost culinary tourism in the province," she said, adding that "we are also coming up with the Negros Food Story compilation for printing next year."

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