Source: Philippine Information Agency
April 15, 2011
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Apr. 15 (PIA) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is assisting the Samar Island tourism stakeholders on how to develop the entire island as the country’s alternative destination by 2016.
DOT 8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes disclosed that that DOT has tapped the expertise of Berkman International Inc., in a bid to ensure a more dynamic and sustainable tourism development in the entire Samar Island.
The planning, with a total project cost of P1.5 million, has started with the officials in Samar Island drafting the Samar Island Tourism Master Development Plan anchored on sustainable tourism development while generating revenue for the Whole Island and employment for its residents.
Director Tiopes explained that the project will provide a framework and direction for the three provinces to harness its tourism potentials, protect its natural resources, conserve its cultural heritage, develop community-based projects and formulate appropriate policies and rules to regulate tourism development in the area.
After the two-day consultation workshop on March 30 and 31 in Catbalogan City, the 15 days site visits were conducted in line with the formulation of the Samar Island Tourism Master Development Plan will be completed this week, Director Tiopes disclosed.
Site validation was conducted in identified attractions to find out what types of development that is appropriate for each attraction. The aspirations of the local people in Samar Island were documented so that when the plan is drafted, these aspirations will be considered as basis for introducing tourism development, Director Tiopes added.
The fact remains that Samar is a home to eco-tourism adventure, cultural and heritage sites, and rich marine life. Samar Island has the largest cave and most amazing adventure tourists since last year, according to the Samar Island Natural Park.
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Apr. 15 (PIA) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is assisting the Samar Island tourism stakeholders on how to develop the entire island as the country’s alternative destination by 2016.
DOT 8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes disclosed that that DOT has tapped the expertise of Berkman International Inc., in a bid to ensure a more dynamic and sustainable tourism development in the entire Samar Island.
The planning, with a total project cost of P1.5 million, has started with the officials in Samar Island drafting the Samar Island Tourism Master Development Plan anchored on sustainable tourism development while generating revenue for the Whole Island and employment for its residents.
Director Tiopes explained that the project will provide a framework and direction for the three provinces to harness its tourism potentials, protect its natural resources, conserve its cultural heritage, develop community-based projects and formulate appropriate policies and rules to regulate tourism development in the area.
After the two-day consultation workshop on March 30 and 31 in Catbalogan City, the 15 days site visits were conducted in line with the formulation of the Samar Island Tourism Master Development Plan will be completed this week, Director Tiopes disclosed.
Site validation was conducted in identified attractions to find out what types of development that is appropriate for each attraction. The aspirations of the local people in Samar Island were documented so that when the plan is drafted, these aspirations will be considered as basis for introducing tourism development, Director Tiopes added.
The fact remains that Samar is a home to eco-tourism adventure, cultural and heritage sites, and rich marine life. Samar Island has the largest cave and most amazing adventure tourists since last year, according to the Samar Island Natural Park.
Among the known destinations in the island are the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Basey, Calbiga Caves in Calbiga, the network of waterfalls in Calbayog City, all in Samar; the Biri Protected Seascapes in Biri; the San Antonio Beaches in San Antonio, both in Northern Samar; the Borongan-Llorente forest canopy in Borongan Samar; and surfing on Calicoan Island , Guiuan, both in Eastern Samar .
The newly-launched Ulot River Extreme Boat Ride in Paranas, Samar has also been receiving an increasing number of adventure tourists since last year, according to the Samar Island Natural Park.
To get an update on the initial findings and impressions of the consulting firm, Department of Tourism deemed it important that a post site assessment and consultations meeting be conducted.
Thus, an Exit Meeting with the Berkman International Incorporated has been set on April 15, at 6:00 o’clock in the evening at the Balay Inasal, Leyte Park Resort Hotel Compound. (PIA 8)
