The cultural shows and tourist destinations of various towns and cities of Negros Occidental will take center stage in the first LakBAYANihan Tourism Fair of the provincial government of Negros Occidental and the Ayala Malls Capitol Central, with the opening program set today, May 16 in the mall.
“From the arts, beautiful handicrafts, authentic local cuisine, to cultural festivities, the province of Negros Occidental opens its doors to welcome guests and visitors to the Tourism Fair,” the Negros Occidental Tourism Division said.
It added that in partnership with Ayala Malls, the local government units of the province, Department of Tourism-Western Visayas, and the tourism stakeholders, the fair is among the tourism recovery initiatives of the provincial government, after the industry nosedived due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The opening ceremony Monday will be attended by Capitol officials and tourism stakeholders.
On May 20, the “Progresibo Distrito Uno” cultural show will highlight the festivities of LGUs in the 1st District, “CASAMA mo sa Turismo” on May 21, “Metro 3rd Taliambong” on May 22, “Fab Four of District 4” on May 26, “Turismo Tatak Quinto Distrito” on May 27, “Bugal sang Sixto Distrito” on May 28, and “Smile, You’re in Bacolod!” on May 29.
Tourism activities, meanwhile, include the Accreditation on Wheels from May 16 to 20; Heritage Tour highlighting Bacolod, Talisay, and Silay on May 18 and 24; Culture Hub Tour on May 19 and 25; and Tourism Officers’ Night on May 20.
The Negros Occidental Tourism Division also said it will celebrate the Negrense culture this National Heritage Month, through the Negros Occidental Culture Hub Tour.
“A nine-stop walking tour around the Provincial Capitol Complex allows one to connect with a rich Negrense past, appreciate their unique heritage and culture, and even learn a thing or two about the Island’s endangered flora and fauna,” it added.
The Culture Hub Circuit Tour was launched last year but eventually suspended following movement restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.
The Department of Tourism 6, through the Province Tourism Office, also recently concluded a Course on Housekeeping training for tourism frontliners of accommodation establishments in Negros Occidental, held May 11 to 13.
The PTO said 30 trainees completed the course through the Tourism Industry Skills Program of the DOT. The training was aimed to equip participants with important housekeeping knowledge, upgrade housekeeping skills to international levels, and develop excellent customer handling skills./Cheryl G. Cruz
