Sulu's tourism program is back to zero after ICRC kidnappings

Sulu tourism promotion posters. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 18, 2009) – Sulu’s tourism program has been affected by the kidnappings of three Red Cross workers and efforts to change the image of one of the country’s most beautiful island may take a little longer now.

Gunmen are still holding Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugene Vagni and Filipino Jean Lacaba, all members of the International Committee of the Red Cross. The trio was seized January 15 while on their way to the airport after inspecting sanitation projects at a prison facility in Patikul town.

Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan, who is actively promoting the island as a new tourism destination in the southern Philippines, said the kidnappings of the ICRC team is a big set back to the government’s campaign to attract visitors and investments in the province.

“It feels so sad to see all our tourism promotions and campaigns go to waste because of this incident, especially at a time that Sulu is progressing and peace and order is improving,” Tan said.

Tan previously said he had plans to convert some of Sulu’s islands and pristine beaches into resorts, complete with amenities and business centers and land and water vessels to transport holidaymakers.

He said Sulu’s could become like Boracay island resort in central Philippines and even more beautiful than Phuket in Thailand. Aside from Sulu’s white-sand beaches, Tan said the province also boasts of dive sites and is rich in marine resources where fishermen sell live marine products, such as groupers, lobsters and abalone.

Tan’s tourism program dubbed as “Wow Sulu,” shows the province’s beautiful spots – from unspoiled islets scattered across blue waters to virgin forests – are sites that he often boasts to visiting diplomats and even journalists.

“We hope to resolve this ICRC problem soon and start working again to bring back the glory that was taken away from us by the kidnappings. We will rise again and work hard again. Sulu is a safe place to visit and this incident is just unfortunate,” he said.

Sen. Loren Legarda last year filed a bill proposing the creation of a special economic zone and free port in Sulu to promote and hasten the industrial and economic development of the province.

She said he special zone shall be provided with transportation, telecommunication, and other facilities needed to attract legitimate and productive foreign investments, generate linkage with industries and create employment opportunities for the people of the province. (With a report from Sunny Abing)