Department of Tourism - NIR

11/08/2026

Eyyy! Stell’s destination of choice? - SIQUIJOR 🏝️✨
Anong say niyo Stellnatics? STELLNATICS??!!! 🤣

09/08/2026

Shaping the Digital Future of Negros Island Region

The Department of Tourism – Negros Island Region successfully concluded the first batch of the Digital Marketing Training, also called as "Digital is the New Essential" Training held on July 28–30, 2026 at Roy's Hotel, Bacolod City, bringing together travel and tour operators, tour guides, and MICE organizers committed to elevating the region's tourism industry.

The three-day training equipped participants with practical digital marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of destination branding in promoting the newly established Negros Island Region. By strengthening their digital presence and storytelling skills, tourism stakeholders are better prepared to showcase the region's unique experiences and inspire more travelers to Discover More to Love.

Participants also explored the responsible and strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tourism, gaining valuable insights into how emerging technologies can support content creation, marketing, and audience engagement while maintaining authenticity.

Resource Speaker Ms. Ally Apple Allison, a DOT-accredited trainer, Executive Adviser of SoutheastAsiaHeritage.com (SEAH), social influencer, and Accelerator, shared her extensive expertise, industry experience, and valuable insights throughout the three-day training. Through engaging discussions, practical demonstrations, and real-world examples, she equipped participants with the knowledge and confidence to embrace digital innovation, strengthen their online presence, and leverage digital tools to enhance tourism products and services with purpose and impact.

Through initiatives like Digital is the New Essential, the Department of Tourism – NIR remains committed to equipping tourism stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to strengthen the region's digital presence and showcase the many reasons to Discover More to Love in the Negros Island Region.

08/08/2026

Shaping the Digital Future of Negros Island Region
28-30 July 2026, Roy's Hotel, Bacolod City, Province of Negros Occidental

Here's a glimpse of the three-day "Digital is the New Essential" Training, where tourism stakeholders from Negros Occidental learned how to tell more compelling stories through destination branding, digital marketing, and responsible AI.
Together, they are helping shape a stronger digital future for tourism in the Negros Island Region.

08/08/2026

Safer Destinations. Better Experiences.
From Police Officers to Tourism Ambassadors.

The Department of Tourism – Negros Island Region (DOT-NIR) proudly celebrates the successful conduct of the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) Training, marking the first-ever TOPCOP training organized by the DOT-NIR since the establishment of the regional office.

Fifty (50) dedicated police officers from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) successfully completed the four-day training held at Maringal Hall, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to deliver quality tourist assistance while ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of every visitor.

During the opening ceremony, DOT-NIR Regional Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez, CESO III underscored the indispensable role of law enforcement in tourism, emphasizing that:

“Safety is not just the foundation of tourism—it is the first act of Filipino hospitality. Before a visitor falls in love with our beaches, our heritage, or our cuisine, they must first feel safe.”

Beyond enforcing the law, tourist police are ambassadors of our destinations. Whether providing directions, responding to emergencies, or assisting travelers in need, they help shape every visitor’s experience and strengthen confidence in Negros Oriental as a safe, welcoming, and world-class tourism destination.

As the Negros Island Region continues to grow as a premier tourism destination, strong partnerships between the tourism sector and law enforcement remain essential in building communities where both visitors and residents can feel safe and secure.

This initiative also supports the Department of Tourism’s Love the Philippines campaign and its domestic tourism movement, Discover More to Love, by ensuring that every journey begins with a destination where travelers feel protected, welcomed, and inspired to explore more of what our islands have to offer.

The Department of Tourism – Negros Island Region extends its warmest congratulations to all our TOPCOP graduates and its heartfelt appreciation to the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, the Philippine National Police, our resource speakers, and all partner agencies whose commitment made this milestone training a resounding success.

Together, we continue to build destinations where safety meets hospitality—creating experiences that inspire every traveler to Discover More to Love in the Negros Island Region and across the Philippines.

07/08/2026

06/08/2026

The Department of Tourism – Negros Island Region (DOT NIR) successfully conducted the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) 2026 Webinar on July 24, 2026, bringing together tourism officers, local government units, tourism stakeholders, and partners across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor in support of this year's theme, “NAGHAHANDA at KUMIKILOS tungo sa PANATAG na BAGONG PILIPINAS.” The webinar strengthened participants' knowledge of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) System and its core pillars—Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Rehabilitation, and Recovery—highlighting the vital role of resilience in safeguarding lives, communities, and tourism destinations.

As one of the country's most hazard-prone yet tourism-rich regions, the Negros Island Region recognizes that resilient destinations are sustainable destinations. Through this initiative, DOT NIR reaffirms its commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness, strengthening collaboration among tourism stakeholders, and promoting safe, resilient, and sustainable tourism for both residents and visitors. Together, we continue to build a tourism industry that is ready to withstand challenges and contribute to a more resilient Bagong Pilipinas.

05/08/2026

The Department of Tourism – Negros Island Region brought the VIP Tour 2026 delegates to the enchanting island province of Siquijor on July 14–17, 2026, where they experienced its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and wellness tourism. From centuries-old churches and heritage landmarks to pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and the island's renowned healing traditions, delegates discovered why Siquijor continues to captivate visitors from around the world as one of the country's most distinctive island destinations.

The Siquijor experience highlighted the province's commitment to sustainable tourism and community-based development while showcasing the warmth and hospitality of its people. Through initiatives such as the VIP Tour, DOT NIR continues to promote authentic cultural experiences and strengthen the global appreciation of the Negros Island Region's diverse tourism destinations.

05/08/2026

The Department of Tourism – Negros Island Region proudly showcased the world-renowned Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (AIPLS) during the VIP Tour 2026 on July 14–17, 2026, where delegates experienced one of the Philippines' most celebrated marine protected areas. Recognized globally for its exceptional coral reefs, diverse marine biodiversity, and successful community-led conservation efforts, Apo Island offered delegates a firsthand appreciation of the region's commitment to marine ecotourism and environmental stewardship.

The visit underscored the importance of protecting the region's natural assets while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. As a flagship ecotourism destination of the Negros Island Region, Apo Island continues to demonstrate how conservation, community participation, and responsible tourism can work together in showcasing the Philippines' world-class marine heritage.

04/08/2026

The Department of Tourism – Negros Island Region proudly showcased the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, one of the highlights of the VIP Tour 2026 on July 14–17, 2026, and a distinguished ASEAN Heritage Park, where delegates experienced the pristine beauty of one of Southeast Asia's internationally recognized protected areas. Surrounded by lush montane forests and tranquil crater lakes, the park exemplifies the region's rich biodiversity and commitment to environmental conservation, offering visitors an unforgettable ecotourism experience in the heart of Negros Oriental.

As an ASEAN Heritage Park, Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park stands as a symbol of the Philippines' globally significant natural heritage and the collective commitment of ASEAN Member States to protect biodiversity for future generations. Through this visit, the Department of Tourism – Negros Island Region continues to promote sustainable ecotourism, environmental stewardship, and world-class nature experiences that further position the Negros Island Region as a premier destination for responsible and experiential travel.

04/08/2026

The Department of Tourism – Negros Island Region showcased the breathtaking beauty of the iconic Manjuyod Sandbar as part of the VIP Tour 2026 on July 14–17, 2026, giving delegates an unforgettable experience of one of Negros Oriental's most celebrated coastal attractions. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and expansive white sandbars, delegates enjoyed the area's stunning seascapes while learning about the importance of protecting its rich marine ecosystem and promoting responsible coastal tourism.

The visit emphasized the region's commitment to sustainable tourism by highlighting the balance between environmental conservation, community participation, and visitor experience. Through destinations such as Manjuyod Sandbar, DOT NIR continues to promote world-class nature-based tourism that supports local communities while preserving the region's invaluable natural heritage.