• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental kicked off its 26th Provincial Tourism Week on Tuesday, bringing together the province’s 32 local government units (LGUs) to showcase tourism destinations, cultural heritage, culinary traditions, local products, and creative industries.
The five‑day celebration, which runs until Sept. 12, is anchored on the 2026 World Tourism Day theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” highlighting the growing role of technology and digital innovation in promoting destinations and enhancing visitor experiences.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, representing Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, said the event aims to strengthen tourism awareness, develop the skills of stakeholders, promote local products and destinations, and foster collaboration toward a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable tourism industry.
Activities include district booth exhibits, product displays and selling, and tourism competitions in quiz, tour guiding, photography, and vlogging. A special School Hour will engage students from Bacolod schools offering tourism and hospitality courses, giving them opportunities to learn more about the industry and interact with stakeholders.
The Pasidungog Awards will honor LGUs with outstanding tourism initiatives in five categories: Best Tourism Brochure, Best Tourism Page, Best Tourism Video, Best Non‑Food Tourism Token, and Best Food Tourism Token. The awards aim to encourage LGUs to enhance their promotions and digital presence and prepare for possible participation in the ATOP Pearl Awards.
Meanwhile, the continuing Negros Trade Fair provides local entrepreneurs and LGUs a platform to promote Negrense products and craftsmanship to wider markets.
The province also highlights its cultural heritage through the Negros Culture Hub and heritage walking tours, extending tourism experiences beyond the Provincial Capitol to communities in Manapla, Hinigaran, and Don Salvador Benedicto.
Jennylind Cordero, Chief Tourism Operations Officer of the Department of Tourism–Negros Island Region (DOT‑NIR), said digital tools and artificial intelligence can help tourism workers, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and LGUs become more competitive while sharing the story of Negros with travelers worldwide.
Cordero also highlighted the Food Parade featuring dishes from all 32 towns and cities, saying local cuisine reflects the province’s heritage, communities, farmers, and fisherfolk.
She noted that technology should enhance and not replace the hospitality that defines the tourism experience.
Diaz emphasized that Negros Occidental’s tourism identity extends beyond its sugar industry.
“We are more than sugar. We are culture, heritage, gastronomy, creativity, adventure, and countless sweet surprises,” he said.
Diaz also urged Negrenses to continue discovering and promoting the province’s tourism assets and reminding everyone that each person has a role in telling Negros Occidental’s story. | GPB
