The government is anticipating that more visitors will explore the tourist destinations in Eastern Visayas through the efforts of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) participating in the “Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG)” program.

During the regional launch of BBMG at the Summit Hotel here Friday, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the program will bring more attention to Eastern Visayas which offers natural wonders, pilgrimage sites, and historic destinations.

Through the help of OFWs and other stakeholders, the less popular but emerging destinations would have their chance to be promoted, she said.

“The intention of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is to promote less popular and emerging destinations. Get all destinations the chance to be promoted with the help of our overseas Filipinos and our stakeholders,” Frasco said.

The program represents a significant step forward in showcasing the beauty of the Philippines and Eastern Visayas.

“We have already taken this program all over the world in international launches and various cities in the world, as well as in regional launches all over the country. We found it appropriate to launch the program here in Eastern Visayas, knowing that the region is home to one of the most mega biodiverse provinces, as well as a wealth of history, heritage, gastronomic delights, and witness to the many important events that have shaped our nation’s history,” she added.

Under this program, participants who will invite foreign tourists to visit the country are entitled to a raffle ticket and have a chance to win special prizes.

Registered participants will have the opportunity to avail discounts, special rates, incentives from the DOT accredited enterprises, and packages during the campaign period using the BBMG Travel Passport and BBMG Privilege card.

Sponsors, invitees, and tourists may avail of this card in identified vacation destinations and main gateways in the country.

From January to September 2023, the region has already welcomed 500,000 visitors.

Eastern Visayas, monikered as the “Gateway to the Golden East”, boasts of its signature tourist attractions such as the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Leyte, Kalanggaman Islands, San Juanico Bridge, Sohoton Caves in Samar, as well as an array of heritage sites and farm tourism sites in the region, among others. (PNA)