The Department of Tourism-Central Luzon (DOT-3) is eyeing to create more diverse products and services in a bid to boost the tourism potential of Aurora province.

DOT-3 Regional Director Richard G. Daenos on Tuesday said plans are being drafted to promote Aurora, which is known as a surfing and diving destination.

“Initial steps were made to further rebound the tourism in the province not only as a surfing and dive destination but by creating more diverse products,” Daenos said in a statement.

Last week, Daenos said they met with some provincial officials in Aurora where they discussed various programs and projects that could help enhance the tourism potential of the province.

He said their focus of discussions was the possible new tourism sites, as well as the strengthening of community based-tourism, festival management, tourism infrastructure projects and the conduct of tourism rapid assessment and mapping activity, among others.

Daenos said training on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence among tourism frontliners, including hotel and restaurant owners, tour guides, tour operators and surfers’ associations, were conducted for capacity building that highlights the distinct Filipino identity.

“We must also empower its industry workers to become effective stewards of the province’s tourism,” he said.

The DOT official said they also conducted a consultation meeting with the tourism officers of Aurora and stakeholder representatives to discuss the concerns and challenges of local tourism.

“As we expect the influx of tourists, the DOT continues to discover and improve the province’s new and existing tourism products to offer a more wonderful experience to tourists,” he added. (PNA)