Cebu just gave tourists more reasons to visit the Queen of the South by promoting five major off-the-grid attractions in the southern part of the province, specifically Argao, Alcoy, Alegria, Aloguinsan, and Boljoon towns.

The Cebu Provincial Tourism Office pushed for the promotion of these eco-tourism destinations in the province to paint an image of Cebu beyond its world renowned beaches.

The people are regarding Cebu as a booming tourist stopover, said Cebu Provincial Tourism Officer Joselito Costas. But he added that with the Big 5 program, the province is taking the first step towards a more eco-friendly and sustainable tourism that is enjoyable for both local and foreign tourists.

The Big 5 destinations in Cebu include the following:

• Birding Tour and Nature Trek in the town of Alcoy
• Farm to Table Tour in Alegria town
• Bojo River Cruise in Aloguinsan
• Heritage Walk in Boljoon
• Culinary Journey in Argao

Guests can tour around these five towns for three days, two nights, for 6,000 pesos. The package is inclusive of accommodation, transportation expense, and meals, Costas revealed. However, there might still be changes to the cost of the tour.

The launch of the Big 5 is just in time for the rise of ecotourism, which encourages environmental enthusiasts and ecologically conscious tourists to not only enjoy they places they visit while still protecting Mother Nature.

And the program is in proven and tested expert hands as Costas led the Bojo River revival in Aloguinsan and his group’s efforts paid off as the river is now tagged as one of the top 100 sustainable destinations around the globe by Green Travel. Now, Bojo River is up there with Niagara Falls in Canada, Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park in the United States, and Cape Town in South Africa.

Costas assured that the 5 destinations selected are off the grid and are quite distinct. But more than their natural blessing, these destinations have functioning community-based associations.

From January to April 2017, 1.497 million travelers visited Cebu, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 7. This is 4.16 percent higher from last year’s.

Back in June 10, Costas posted a teaser of the Big 5 destinations.