DOT VI issues travel advisory for Guimaras travellers

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) in Region 6 issued a travel advisory for the public, tourists, and visitors of Guimaras.

The advisory indicated that travel time of motorbancas from Parola Wharf-Jordan Wharf, vice versa; and Parola Wharf-Buenavista Wharf, vice versa, is no longer than 10-15 minutes during regular operations.

The DOT also encouraged tourists to coordinate with DOT-accredited travel and tour operators for group tour reservations on board fastcraft or Roll on Roll off (RoRo).

During the Inter-Agency Dialogue on Oct 3, 2019, the new guidelines of Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), which include the removal/folding of the tarpaulin cover (tolda) in motorbanca, was identified as the problem, especially of the senior citizen sector as it compromises the health of passengers.

It was then agreed by the majority and with conformity of boat association representatives to reduce the travel time of motorbancas during regular operations.

“The main purpose of the Inter-Agency Dialogue on Guimaras Tourism was to identify tourism-related problems and solutions that can be acted upon immediately. We are happy because of the active participation of the invitees and their commitments to promote again the tourism industry of Guimaras after the loss brought by the Iloilo Strait tragedy on August 3, 2019,” DOT-6 Regional Director Helen J. Catalbas said.

The Inter-Agency Dialogue on Guimaras Tourism spearheaded by the Department of Tourism Region VI was attended by the Guimaras Provincial Government and LGUs, Maritime Industry Authority VI, Philippine Ports Authority VI, Philippine Coast Guard-Iloilo, motorbanca associations, shipping companies, tour operators, private sector and other tourism stakeholders in Guimaras. (MDO)