International buyers ‘wow’ to WV tourism

The Tourism Promotions Board and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI with the full support of the local government officials of Iloilo, Guimaras and Negros, Occidental conduct Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) Post Tour on August 31-September 4, 2018.

PHITEX is a government organized travel trade event in the country. It hosts international buyers to participate in table top business appointments with accredited Philippine tourism suppliers.

"The Department of Tourism Region VI is happy to welcome the 41 international buyers for the Philippine Travel Exchange Post Tour. They are currently touring the multitude of attractions and activities in Negros Occidental. It's always a pleasure for DOT Region VI to showcase to these international buyers the tourist destinations of Region VI, but having a positive feedback from them is so overwhelming”, DOT VI Regional Director Helen Catalbas said.

The participants visited the home of the sweetest mangoes, Guimaras. They also went to Garin Farm in San Joaquin, Iloilo and the historic Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They didn't miss to visit the grand hispanic mansions and old ancestral houses in Iloilo City which stood the test of time.

In Negros Occidental, the participants are visiting The Ruins, Locsin Ancestral House, Balay ni Tana Dicang and San Diego Cathedral.

“DOT Region VI with the vigorous support of Western Visayas LGUs and private sector is doing its best to further develop and sustain the tourism industry in Western Visayas. We want to preserve these tourist attractions for the future generations and for more tourists to enjoy. The Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) Post Tour for international buyers is also one way to gain investments for our tourism industry”, Catalbas added.