A total of 125 “habal-habal” or motorcycle-for-hire drivers in Antequera underwent training in effectively catering to tourists as part of the town’s efforts to improve its tourism sector.
Mayor Jose Mario Pahang on Friday told dyRD Balita that the drivers were trained by the Kapunongan sa mga Bol-anong Guide and Provincial Tourism Office on January 29.
The one-day session tackled five modules.
According to Pahang, the drivers were taught on their role as “tourism frontliners,” on effective service, basic tourist guide principles, and community-based guiding techniques.
Effective tourism planning was also imparted to the LGU.
Pahang said that the LGU considers habal-habal drivers as key factors in improving service for tourists by providing accessible and friendly transportation.
The seminar was conducted in response to the call of Gov. Edgar Chatto for LGU’s to prepare for the province-wide tourism growth as completion of the new international airport in Panglao draws near.
“Gadahom ta nga ang atong lungsod sa Antequera maapil sa mga lugar nga bisitahan sa atong mga turista,” said Pahang.
Earlier, Pahang pinpointed the quake-formed Lake Tupas in the village of Tupas as a new tourist draw in the town.
Pahang said that DOT 7 director Shalimar Hofer Tamano vowed to extend support for the site’s development after the official personally visited the lake in January.
Potential foreign investors and Bohol tourism officials also previously visited the pristine lake and expressed belief in its capacity to draw tourists, he added. (R. Tutas)