TOURISM WAYFINDER LAUNCHED IN BADIAN, CEBU

THE Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DoT) Region 7 (Central Visayas) and the Municipality of Badian, unveiled the Wayfinder Program in Badian, Cebu, as part of its ongoing efforts to provide a more efficient overall tourism experience.

On Friday, January 20, DoT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco led the ceremonial unveiling of the Badian Wayfinder and discussed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for Philippine tourism development.

“Tourism development that does not only promote destinations across our country but, more importantly, gives equal promotion and development opportunities to the countryside, which includes emerging destinations, will give opportunities to our fellow Filipinos to have a gainful livelihood by way of tourism,” Secretary Frasco said.

TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Board Member Sarsi Baricuatro, Badian Mayor Carmencita Lumain and Vice Mayor Doris Silvano were also in attendance.

The Wayfinder Program intends to accelerate Badian’s recovery and growth as a main tourism destination in the Visayas area. These signages were placed at some of Badian’s most popular tourist attractions and activities, including Osmeña Peak, Kandungaw Peak, and Kawasan Falls, the endpoint of Badian Canyoneering activity.

This program also plans to consistently enhance navigation experiences in significant and rising tourist circuits so that tourists traveling these trails can have a better experience.

“Badian is home to some of the most thrilling adventure destinations in the country, and we recognize its potential to join the ranks of other tourist hotspots and bring a tremendous boost to the country’s tourism industry,” Nograles said in a media statement on Monday.

“The launch of these tourism wayfinders at Badian’s major tourism sites and activities will be a valuable asset in promoting tourism and propelling Badian’s economic recovery efforts,” she added.

The Wayfinder Program is one of TPB’s core strategic objectives, which focuses on expanding the agency’s collaborative involvement with local governments in order to fully restore the tourism sector. This also helps the DoT’s seven-point agenda, which aims to improve the country’s overall tourist experience.

“These signages, strategically placed in key locations, are designed to provide directional information and guidance for tourists to navigate and explore what these destinations have to offer,” Nograles added.

Wayfinders were previously unveiled in Lucban and Quezon, and another is planned to be launched later this year in Botolan, Zambales.