Tourism Potential, Opportunities, and Challenges of a Congressional District in Negros Island Region, Philippines

Abstract

This multi-method study assessed the tourism potential, challenges, and opportunities of a congressional district in Negros Island Region, Philippines amid post-pandemic recovery and environmental vulnerabilities. Utilizing a multi-method research design, data were gathered from 734 mixed stakeholders across one city and five municipalities. Quantitatively, the district demonstrated a "very high" overall tourism potential, led significantly by agri-tourism over nature-based and sun-and-beach sectors. Interestingly, stakeholders in areas with lower local government fund allocations perceived significantly higher tourism potential than those in high-allocation areas, highlighting a localized "resourcefulness gap" . Qualitatively, content analysis revealed that the district sits in a "foundational" developmental stage, severely hindered by poor road access, weak policy enforcement, and insufficient basic utilities. Conversely, eco-tourism and infrastructure development emerged as premier growth opportunities. These findings provide vital baseline data for crafting a strategic plan to bridge local structural deficiencies.