Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said the provincial government is pushing for the expansion of the Bacolod Silay Airport and the construction of better roads to tourist destinations to boost the tourism industry of Negros Occidental.

Marañon, who opened the Provincial Tourism Week celebration yesterday, said he is pushing for the improvement of the Bacolod-Silay Airport because it is the gateway to Negros.

The provincial government will also work for the improvement of roads to tourism destinations in Negros Occidental, the governor said, citing the roads to Patag in Silay City and to Campuestohan in Talisay City, among others.

Hopefully with the provincial government’s expropriation of the defunct Insular Lumber Company’s property in Hinobaan, its airport can be opened for use to boost tourism in southern Negros, he also said.

The Philippine Ports Authority has improved the old ILCO port where cruise liners carrying tourists can also dock, he added.

We are encouraging investments in the tourism industry that has a multiplier effect on the local economy, it creates jobs and income for communities, he said.

The governor said he is very confident because Negros Occidental has had one of the highest increases in domestic tourism.

The governor said he is also encouraging residents to open their homes as bed and breakfast facilities for tourists.*CPG

back to top