MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)--"Tourism industry in Misamis Oriental is bouncing back. After a lull, our hotels are buzzing again–it's energizing," provincial tourism officer lawyer Jeffrey Saclot announced during the Kapihan sa PIA on January 17.

He featured a booming Misamis Oriental tourism, citing the province's statistics with surging tourist arrivals, tourism activities, and fully booked resorts and hotels.

"We have exciting news about our ambitious plans to boost the tourism sector in 2024. The provincial government will unveil progressive projects designed to propel Misamis Oriental to the top of every vacationer's list," he said.

Saclot outlined key initiatives shaping Misamis Oriental's tourism landscape, focused on improving community livelihoods, creating job opportunities, and stimulating overall economic activity.

Among the notable projects, he said, are the development of Agutayan Island, a splendid view of the pristine beach of Jasaan town, and the upgrading of its Sagpulon Falls. Both would attract adventurers and nature seekers.

He underscored the establishment of Lasang Adventure Park between Initao and Libertad towns, which will have an eco-playground, zip lines, and suspension bridges within lush rainforests. 

Saclot also revealed the formation of the Misamis Oriental Hotels and Restaurants Association (MOHARA), an initiative by Governor Peter M. Unabia to assist hotels and restaurants in boosting the tourism industry.

"MOHARA can forge stronger ties between Misamis Oriental hotels and neighbors, unlocking a tourism network boom. For instance, hotels and restaurants can provide on-call food servers and dining staff with training on taxation and other fundamentals related to their tourism operations. It is a global promotion opportunity for tourism enterprises. Utilizing online platforms and relevant exhibits plays a key role," he explained.

The provincial government's 2024 tourism industry plan places Misamis Oriental on the map, ready to make the most of its rare treasures for locals and tourists. (PIA 10-Misamis Oriental/IJBD)