Nature enthusiasts who love clear waters get the chance to explore the seascapes of Western Visayas when the Department of Tourism Region 6 holds the 2023 International Open Water Swim Circuit in the four separate venues in the region next year.
The DOT has chosen four venues that are known for their amazing clear water and fantastic views such as Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo, Sipalay in Negros Occidental, Taklong Island in Guimaras, and the Boracay in Malay, Aklan.
DOT Region 6 Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez said they are including sports tourism in the region’s promotions plan in their efforts to “increase tourism arrivals and build a new market segment for Western Visayas.”
“We have chosen these venues to put them in the spotlight as emerging destinations in the region and build a network of sports enthusiasts to choose Wester Visayas for outdoor sports, cultural destinations and sustainable practices,” said Rodrigues during the event launch at the Garden Resort Hotel and Convention Center Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
The Western Visayas circuit was inspired by the successful Zamboanga Peninsula Open Water Swim Circuit held in Zamboanga City’s seaport, Buluan Island in Zamboanga Sibugay, the scenic and heart-shaped Lake Magarang in Zamboanga del Sur and Dakak Resorts in Zamboanga del Norte.
The initiative came from the Zamboanga Peninsula Open Water Swimming Club led by Japy Silapan, who worked with the DOT Region 9 and various Local Government Units.
The result was an average of more than 200 swimmers taking part in long-distance swims ranging from one to five kilometers in the most popular scenic seascapes in Mindanao.
DOT Region 6 will also engage with the group of Silapan, who was coming off a stint in the Alcatraz Open Water Swim in New York where he got in touch with the international open water swim community.
“They were very excited when I told them about the coming international open water swim in the Philippines that will be hosted by the Visayas region, said Silapan, whose team is currently doing ocular inspections of the four provinces to identify the perfect race venues for the Western Visayas circuit.
More than just a sporting event, Rodriguez said the event also aims to highlight community-based, sustainable tourism and promote awareness of the importance of habitat conservation and management by holding related events.
