The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Philippines is now promoting cultural and pilgrimage tours in Negros Oriental, a province located in the Central Visayas region. The move was seen as a response to the suspension of mass gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a decline in tourism activities.
According to the DOT, the cultural and pilgrimage tours are an ideal way to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Negros Oriental, which is known for its colonial-era architecture and stunning natural attractions. These tours will offer visitors a chance to explore the province’s diverse array of cultural activities, from visiting historic churches, to learning about the traditional rites and beliefs of local communities.
One notable location for a cultural and pilgrimage tour is the Diocesan Shrine of San Pedro Calungsod, located in the municipality of Bacong. This attraction is a popular destination for devotees, who flock here to pay their respects to San Pedro Calungsod, the second Filipino saint to be canonized by the Catholic Church.
Aside from the Diocesan Shrine, there are other religious sites in the province that can be included in the itinerary for cultural and pilgrimage tours. These include the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church in Kanlaon City, which is considered to be one of the oldest churches in the country, and the Siaton Church in Siaton town, which dates back to the 19th century.
Other attractions that can be included in the tours are natural wonders, such as the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao, which are two crater lakes located on a volcanic plateau, and the Casaroro Falls in Valencia, which is a 100-meter waterfall that cascades down a steep cliff.
In promoting these cultural and pilgrimage tours, the DOT hopes to provide a unique experience for tourists who are looking for an alternative to mainstream tourist destinations. With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting the tourism industry, offering these kinds of tours can help generate interest in local tourism and create revenue for communities that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic.
Moreover, the DOT is also promoting sustainable tourism practices in Negros Oriental, which emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the province. By encouraging eco-friendly tourism activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and community-based tourism, the DOT hopes to create a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry in the region.
In conclusion, the DOT’s promotion of cultural and pilgrimage tours in Negros Oriental is a welcome development for the region’s tourism industry, as it provides a unique alternative to mainstream tourist destinations. By offering these kinds of tours, the DOT hopes to generate interest in local tourism and create revenue for communities that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. Moreover, by promoting sustainable tourism practices, the DOT is helping create a more responsible and sustainable tourism industry in the region.