Governors in CV to Discuss Inter-Region Tourism

Governors in Central Visayas (Region VII) agreed to meet and discuss inter-island tourism as the country slowly shifts to the new normal amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Governor Gwen Garcia of Cebu, Governor Arthur Yap of Bohol, Governor Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental, and Governor Zaldy Villa of Siquijor will meet this August 2019 in Siquijor. The province of Siquijor is the only island in the region who is COVID-free.

Common concerns on tourism, reopening of regional economy and other strategic points will be discussed during the said meeting.

Meanwhile, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia explained that the four provinces must “work together” to improve the situation and to increase the chance of opening tourism to their domestic tourists.

Bohol Governor Arthur Yap also said that their province is now eyeing “travel bubble” to support the crippled economy.

“If Cebu is dependent on tourism, more so with Bohol. We’re now looking at exploring bilateral agreements in arrivals,” Yap noted.

Travel bubbles are essentially an exclusive partnership between neighboring places that have demonstrated considerable success in containing and combating the COVID-19 pandemic within their respective borders.

The implementation of the planned inter-island tourism revival was also agreed by other governors. (MLC)