“Fortunately or
unfortunately we have to admit that most of the natural tourist
attractions can be found in Samar,” Petilla said.
He said the provincial
government is bent on establishing a year-round tourism activity in
the province of Leyte with the aim sustaining tourism opportunities
that may have not been tapped in the past.
He clarified that
concrete efforts towards this direction has already been started by
the province since last year and the local government of
Leyte is determined to pursue this initiative if only to promote
and boost the tourism industry here.
The governor had
observed that tourism activities in
Leyte usually flourish only during events like Pintados-Kasadyaan
Festival in June and Leyte Landings Anniversary in October.
“We have to change
this scenario and add more activities or destinations that would
entice tourists to come visit our place and contribute propel our
economy particularly the tourism sector,” Petilla said.
He said Leyte is
readying itself to accommodate tourists even if it not June or October
by tapping other beautiful tourist destinations like the ones that can
be found in Samar province like caves, beaches, waterfalls and others.
But Petilla said Leyte,
being the gateway of tourists to other parts of the region, should
also make itself enticing to tourists.
According to him,
the province would develop some destinations also in Leyte that needs
certain interventions particularly infrastructure, but aside from this
the provincial government will assist the development of various
packaged tourism products that have been delegated as the pride of
Leyte.
