The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) will be counting on motorcycle tourism in Eastern Visayas to entice riders to visit the local destinations.

DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said on Wednesday the June 18 launch will introduce the first Eastern Visayas Infinite Road Trip route: the Leyte World War II Motorcycle Trail.

“This route will bring the riders to different World War II engagement sites where they can enrich their knowledge with stories of our past,” Tiopes told reporters in a press briefing.

The region’s launch is the 8th in the country. This is part of the tourism restart program to revitalize the local tourism industry that suffered due to the global pandemic.

“This activity encourages motorcycle riders, local and domestic tourists to visit tourism sites, experience uniquely diverse activities, sample heritage foodies, and buy locally crafted products in places within reach by motorcycle road trips. It also advocates that road safety should be top of mind to enhance the element of fun,” Tiopes added.

Included in the route are MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte; Sto. Niño Shrine, city hall, World War II Japanese Shrine, Leyte provincial capitol grounds, and San Juanico Bridge in Tacloban City.

Also part of the trail are markers, cemeteries, statues, monuments, municipal halls, churches, shrines, and other historic sites in the towns of Dagami, Burauen, Dulag, Tolosa, and Palo towns.

The 12-hour fun ride launch will be participated in by 200 members of the Federation of Eastern Visayas Motorcyclist Association (FEVMA).

FEVMA president Allan Tajarros said they are encouraging their members to promote on social media the trail to encourage other riders to take the motorcycle tour.

“This is a worthwhile activity since we will not just advocate for food safety, but to promote our historical sites as well. There are also plans to hold similar fun rides in Samar and other provinces in the region,” Tajarros added

The DOT and the TPB introduced the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism to promote the country’s tourism destinations while helping local tour operators and businesses to bounce back from the brunt of the pandemic. (PNA)