Tacloban: The Department of Tourism (DOT) is optimistic about increasing tourist arrivals in Eastern Visayas with the launch of the One Visayas Tourism Circuit, which connects major destinations across the islands.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOT-Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes revealed that nine destinations in the region are part of the three initial circuits introduced on September 6, 2025. These circuits focus on UNESCO heritage and gastronomy trails, dive expeditions, and heritage and cultural discoveries.
'These circuits aim to strengthen sustainable travel routes and partnerships across the Visayas, offering travelers a seamless journey through the region's rich culture, history, cuisine, and natural wonders,' Tiopes stated.
The UNESCO heritage and gastronomy trails include a seven-day tour where visitors arrive in the city via the Iloilo-Tacloban flight. Highlights for the fourth day include visits to the Sohoton Caves and Natural Park, "banig" weaving in Basey Samar, the Secret Kitchens of Samar, and a night cruise with dinner on the San Juanico Bridge.
On the fifth day, tourists will experience the Ulot River Torpedo Boat Ride in Paranas, Samar, before traveling to Cebu via the Tacloban-Cebu flight. This adventure involves a thrilling ride in a narrow motorized canoe called a torpedo boat, managed by a local group of former loggers dedicated to river conservation.
For the dive expedition, after exploring Western and Central Visayas, guests will reach Bato, Leyte, on their sixth day through the Bohol-Leyte roll-on/roll-off trip. In Southern Leyte, visitors will dive in Sogod Bay and Limasawa Island on the seventh and eighth days before returning to Manila. Sogod Bay offers a mix of pelagic life and macro critters, while Limasawa Island is renowned for its marine sanctuaries and dramatic wall dives.
In the heritage and cultural discoveries circuit, tourists arrive at Tacloban Airport from Iloilo on the sixth day to spend a night in Baybay City, Leyte. Here, they can witness the Sea of Clouds at sunrise, creating a dreamlike landscape. The final day includes a visit to the Santo Ni±o Shrine and Heritage Museum in Tacloban City before departing for Manila.
Tiopes noted, 'The Santo Ni±o Shrine and Heritage Museum is a remarkable building celebrated for its opulent architecture and extensive collection of art and antiques, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.'
The One Visayas Tourism Circuit was launched following consultations with tourism officials and tour operators from the three regions as part of the 'One Visayas' initiative.
