The provincial government of Negros Occidental has started to craft the Provincial Tourism Development Plan, Cristine Mansinares, Negros Occidental provincial supervising tourism operations officer, said yesterday.

“This will allow us see the gaps and challenges that we will be facing in the next few years in the tourism industry that will include infrastructure support facilities, utilities, and internet connection,” Mansinares said.

They have already coordinated with the congressmen for their visits in the different districts “to see what they need and what the national government can provide in its key tourism areas, she said.

This week, the Technical Working Group conducted a data assessment and resource profiling in Barangay Katilingban, Talisay City, as part of the process in updating the Provincial Tourism Development Plan, she said.

She said the village has potential, and that existing tourism areas with infrastructure needs are the top priority as the area shares a common border with barangays Dos Hermanas, a bamboo crafts village, and San Fernando that focuses on eco-farm tourism.

It has historical and cultural value, and unique natural features. Basic utilities are already in place, and this loop is a preferred tourism investment area in the vision of Talisay to become a Green Smart City by 2040.

Meanwhile, the provincial government plans to do road shows to show that Negros Occidental is a viable destination for tourism and investment, she said.*