Representatives from the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) recently visited Capiz to assess and validate the existing and potential community-based tourism sites in the province following the impact of the COVID-19, and identify significant interventions for its recovery, sustainability, and enhancement of promotions and marketing activities.
Capiz was among the eight identified beneficiaries for the Marketing Assistance to Sustainable Community-Based Tourism Sites Project.
On its two-day visit, the TPB covered several tourism destinations in the first and second districts of Capiz such as the Capiz Ecology Park and Cultural Village in Nagba, Cuartero; Madulano Mangrove and Aquamarine Park in Madulano, President Roxas; and Martin’s Farm in Capagao, Panitan – which are among the community-based tourism sites regularly visited by the Capiz Provincial Tourism Office for the conduct of training, fora, assessment and promotional activities.
Community-based tourism is a form of tourism where tourists visit the local community to experience first-hand insight into the local lifestyle whilst immersing in it.
Highlighting the locals’ day-to-day activities for tourism experience also sheds light on the community-centered approach development, operation, and management of local tourism products, the Capiz Tourism and Cultural Affairs said, adding that community-based tourism does not only respond to the needs of tourists but also empowers locals to apply their knowledge in managing tourism within their communities.
The group also visited Maria’s Aqua Village, an emerging aquafarm tourism site located in Culajao, Roxas City; and conducted ocular visits in some Department of Tourism-accredited accommodation establishments. (PR)