SENATOR Francis Tolentino on Tuesday emphasized the need to bolster air travel options to Tawi-Tawi, which he said has a great potential to rival the famous Boracay Island in Aklan as a favorite tourist destination.
Currently, limited flight schedules “are a significant barrier for travelers” eager to explore this island province in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), according to the senator.
“The tourism there is wonderful. Tawi-Tawi is incredibly beautiful. When you see the beaches there, the sand is even finer than in Boracay,” Tolentino noted.
The senator, leveraging his extensive background in local tourism development from his tenure as Tagaytay City mayor, sees immense tourism potentials in Tawi-Tawi. He envisions it as a future hotspot for both domestic and international tourists.
He expressed commitment to support Tawi-Tawi’s tourism initiatives, saying on his morning radio program ‘Usapang Tol’ that he is willing to help Gov. Yshmael Sali in inviting more tourists to see what Tawi-Tawi has to offer.
During their conversation, Sali highlighted Tawi-Tawi’s rich cultural heritage, abundant marine resources, and unique attractions spread out across its eleven municipalities, each offering a distinct experience.
Tawi-Tawi is celebrated as the Seaweeds Capital of the Philippines. It also has the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque in Brgy. Tubig Indangan, Simunul, the oldest mosque in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia.
Sali reassured potential visitors about the province’s peace and security, citing a recent 50-percent surge in tourist arrivals.
Tolentino, former chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, is set to visit Tawi-Tawi. He also plans to spend a week in Zamboanga City to attend the opening of the Mindanao qualifying leg of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Games on June 23.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Tolentino seeks expanded flights to boost tourism industry in Tawi-Tawi