CEBU CITY—The country’s tourism is getting back on track, the Department of Tourism-Central Visayas (DOT-7) declared.
The DOT 7 said the International Travel Festival (ITF) 2022 recently held here signaled the resurgence of tourism nationwide, with fresh travel destinations, exciting new activities for travelers, and renewed emphasis on health and safety protocols.

“The ITF 2022 was well-timed as we move into welcoming foreign and and domestic tourists once again to enjoy the country’s sites, culture, and heritage,” said DOT 7 Regional Director Shahlimar Hofer Tamano.
Tamano said more activities that promote unique visitor experience are currently being developed as well by tourism industry stakeholders, particularly in Central Visayas.
The DOT 7 noted that Central Visayas sustained immense economic losses in tourism-related opportunities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette. While some establishments are still closed as they repair facilities wrecked by Odette, many have reopened.
According to DOT 7, ITF is the Visayas and Mindanao’s largest travel convention. It drew 60 private industry stakeholders and featured the 160-square meter Visit Central Visayas pavilion as its centerpiece.
During its weekend run from February 18-20 at the Ayala Center-Cebu, visitors picked choice sites to visit from an expansive range including spots in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Davao, Northern Mindanao, the National Capital Region, Eastern Visayas, the Cordilleras, Camiguin, Palawan, and Boracay.
An estimated 180,000 visitors attended the event with transaction values exceeding targets that were booked at the fair as exhibitor-airlines, hotels and resorts treated guests to high-value offers.
“ITF 2022 is a major milestone for tourism. We are proud to host and support this event as it is a reboot for the industry,” Tamano said.
Upcoming events in Central Visayas will highlight its other attractions including food, farms, the nightlife, weddings, pilgrimages and motor tourism.