The 26th Negros Occidental Tourism Week kicked off on Tuesday, Sept. 8, with a food parade showcasing the culinary traditions of the province’s towns and cities at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
The weeklong celebration, running until Saturday, Sept. 12, aims to promote the diverse culture, heritage, local products, and creativity of the province’s 32 local government units (LGUs), Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said in his speech
Aligned with the 2026 World Tourism Day theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” this year’s celebration highlights the role of digital innovation and technology in enhancing visitor experiences and destination development, Diaz said.
“Tourism Week is a reminder that every Negrense has a role in telling our province’s story,” Diaz said.
“We are more than sugar. We are culture, heritage, gastronomy, creativity, adventure, and countless sweet surprises,” he said.
The tourism week features the sale of products from the various towns and cities at a trade fair at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod, tourism competitions, and a “School Hour” tailored for tourism and hospitality students from Bacolod City schools.
Outstanding LGU initiatives and best practices will also be honored through the Pasidungog Awards during the Tourism Appreciation Night.
Jennylind Cordero, Department of Tourism–Negros Island Region (DOT-NIR) Chief Tourism Operations Officer, emphasized that tradition and technology can coexist to boost local competitiveness.
“Digital tools and AI are no longer just buzzwords. They are how we promote our destinations to the world 24/7,” Cordero said. “But even as we embrace the digital world, we must never forget what makes tourism truly meaningful: our people, our culture, and our flavors.”
Cordero pointed to the Food Parade of 32 towns and cities as the highlight of the week, noting that each dish represents the province’s heritage, farmers, fisherfolk, and community spirit.
She urged stakeholders to use digital tools to complement, rather than replace, traditional Negrense hospitality to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.&
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