Aklan tourism council steps up promotion with LGU support
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – The Aklan Tourism Council is focusing on local tourist destinations to invite investors and to entice local and foreign tourists to this province.
Vicky Ramos-Antonino, who chairs the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council, bared the unified and solid support of stakeholders and the local officials to position the province of Aklan as an international destination.
She cited the role of local government units in an interview with DyRU Super Radyo Kalibo in the promotion of its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.
“The local government units must spearhead to boost local tourism so that it would not only attract domestic tourists to visit their places, but, it will also draw more international tourists,” said Ramos-Antonino, also the Regional Tourism Council chairman.
Now, tourists could enjoy the natural tourist spots in Aklan such as the wild river rafting of Libacao, the Katunggan (mangrove) of Ibajay, the alluring beaches of Tangalan and the rising Buruanga’s diving spots.
Aside from the famous Boracay Island in the town of Malay, the province also offers the Ati-Atihan festivals, Kalibo Eco-Bakhawan Park and the Aklan Sampaguita Garden Resort for both local and international tourists alike.
The town of Nabas will soon be in the investment priority area in northern Aklan with investors to develop the sprawling 500-hectare mixed-use tourism estate near the Caticlan airport.
The Boracay project, called Alphaland Boracay Gateway of Chairman Roberto Ongpin, is in partnership with Akean Resorts Corporation, an affiliate of the Prudentialife Group of Companies, headed by Ambassador Francisco Alba.

Ramos-Antonino said the Kalibo International Airport is also being spruced up as gateway of the province of Aklan for inbound travelers. The tourism council, she said, will display billboards of Aklan's tourist attractions and local associations will showcase products in the newly constructed terminal building.