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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Whale-watchers flock to Oslob as tourism restarts

Whale-watchers flock to Oslob as tourism restarts

Published Feb 28, 2022 02:02 pm

CEBU CITY—Tourism activities in one of the top tourist destinations in southern Cebu are starting to pick up.

In fact, foreign tourists are starting to flock once again to Oslob town, which is known for its whale-watching activities.

Tourists enjoy whale-watching off Oslob, Cebu in 2018. (File Photo by Juan Carlo de Vela / MANILA BULLETIN)

Zenaida Nepomoseno, who operates a hostel in the town, said it was the first on Saturday, Feb. 26, that they received foreign visitors.

"It was the first time after two years that we had foreign guests. I think they were Europeans and there was also a group of Koreans, they were more than 20. They came for whale watching," said Nepomoseno.

She said they are confident that the town’s tourism industry is on its way to recovery after it was severely affected by the current heath crisis.

"We already have bookings for March and April although it’s not that many yet unlike in the past when our 10-room dormitory type gets full quickly,” Nepomoseno said.

The country has started accepting foreign nationals last Feb. 10.

"Please come and enjoy whale watching right now because we need you all. We are open already. Help our tourism to bloom again," Nepomoseno said.

Tourism stakeholders and the Provincial Tourism Task Force attended a meeting that was presided over by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Saturday in Moalboal town.

Garcia emphasized that the international market is the backbone of tourism in the province.

"The driver of our economic tourism in Cebu are those coming from Korea, Japan, and China," she said.

Tourism activities in Cebu are expected to pick up further beginning March 1.

The province will start accepting foreign nationals regardless of their vaccination status subject to some health protocols.

Related Tags

tourism OSLOB WHALE-WATCHING cebu
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