The Department of Tourism Region VII is launching a vigorous Homestay Program in Negros Oriental, particularly in the Metro Dumaguete area. {{more}}
Myla Mae B. Abellana, Senior Tourism Operations Officer of the Province, said the Homestay Program invites homeowners willing to accommodate paying guests in their spare rooms and share the Filipino family experience with them.
Abellana said the Program targets Bacong, Valencia, Sibulan, San Jose, Amlan and Dumaguete City where tourism traffic is heaviest.
She said Homestay Program members should be owners of houses of durable building materials which are in good and presentable condition.
Abellana said the DOT requires adequately furnished spare room/ rooms with extra bed, good lighting system, sufficient water supply, well-maintained toilet and bathroom, electric or natural ventilation, and home- cooked meals at reasonable cost.
She said the homes should ideally be located in pleasant and healthful areas where peace and order prevail, natural and/or man-made attractions are present in the community, and there is easy access to transportation services and commercial facilities that can cater to tourists.
A DOT-7 team will soon conduct an inventory of interested homeowners and houses prior to the conduct of a seminar for the said homeowners and their caretakers.
The Homestay Program will ensure that the continued increase of visitors into the Province will find accommodations that will offer Negros Oriental’s finest hospitality, Abellana added.
Inquiries may be made with the Provincial Tourism Office at Sidlakang Negros Village, and the Dumaguete City Tourism Office. (Bobby Villasis)
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