Philippine tourism up, up and away

THE drive and passion displayed by Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano and his go-getting team at the Department of Tourism is beginning to reap rich dividends for the Philippines. Tourist arrivals in the top 16 tourism destinations went up by 16.5 percent reaching close to 4 million in the first semester of 2009.

The department’s efforts to maximize opportunities in international markets and encourage greater domestic travel movement in the first six months provided the impetus to sustain tourism growth in the midst of challenges brought by the global financial crisis and Influenza A(H1N1).

This feat is attributed to the substantial increase in domestic tourism by 20 percent in the second quarter of 2009, which enhanced the business and investment confidence in the sector during the period January to June 2009. Likewise, the changing lifestyle and travel pattern of more Filipinos and Philippine residents to spend their Holy Week, long weekends and summer/holiday vacation in the various tourist areas of the country boosted tourist flow.

Foreign arrivals in key destinations also increased by 6 percent in the first half of the year despite a decrease of 6 percent in inbound visitors into East Asia and the Pacific.

Camarines Sur posted a hefty growth in both foreign and domestic arrivals by 52 percent and 260 percent, respectively, ranking it as the most visited destination during the first semester with 902,202 tourists. The Provincial Government of Cama­rines Sur investment in a wake­boarding tourism product stimulated visitor volume while continuing to bolster demand for more accommodation, tour services and transportation.

The influx of tourists in Camarines Sur also facilitated the expansion of infrastructure and development of tourism related products. The success of this local government initiative serves as a model for other local governments to harness their tourism potentials and optimize local resources to create more economic activity.

Cebu is the second most visited tourist destination with 830,599 visitors, claiming 23-percent share of total arrivals. Cebu continues to be the top destination for foreign tourists with 321,116 in the first semester. The expansion in air access from major tourist markets, including the new charter flights from Incheon, Busan, Shanghai, Guang­zhou, and Kaohsiung as well as increase in room supply, aggressive promotion, public and private sector partnership to diversify the tourism products greatly contributed to the hike in visitor volume to Cebu.

Visitor count in Puerto Prin­cesa and Bohol went up by 63 percent and 16 percent, respectively, as diving, ecotourism, birdwatching, adventure and incentive tourism products were jointly launched by the Tourism department, local governments and the private sector. Increased demand also ushered the conception of more community-based tourism products that increased the availability of product offering and livelihood for local residents.

Other most frequently visited destinations included Boracay (383,813); Davao City (330,247); Puerto Galera (215,755); and Ilocos Norte with 99,747 tourist arrivals.

The increased demand has encouraged more entrepreneurs to create new products and experiences for visitors.

The Island Banca Cruises in Cebu has attracted visitors with its differently organized and packaged island hopping tour of the marine sanctuaries of Nalusuan and Gilutungan, the pristine white beach of Pandanon and dive sites of Moalboal.

Kultura Filipino in Intramuros gave the tourists an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the Philippine cultural heritage through local dances, music and cuisine. This product also serves as the highlight of the new city tour program for Manila.

Similarly the Pasig River cruise has lured back tourists to visit and appreciate the many riches of Metro Manila. More than a cruise, the product provides cultural interconnection, culinary treats and a historical insight to the city.

With increased popularity for adventure tourism, the Sohoton Caves in Basey, Samar offer visitors with a quaint experience to commune with nature, explore the area’s wonders and promote cultural exchanges. In addition, cruising along the Golden River of Basey provides a glimpse of rural and community life amidst the scenery and images of clear waterways surrounded by green vegetation.

The sheer motivation of the Municipal Government of Danao in Bohol brought a new dimension to adventure tourism and created employment for local people. Dubbed as Ecological, Environmental and Educational Adventure Tour (EAT) Danao, this product offers an extreme and exhilarating challenge with its 45-meter plunge, 1-km slide, caving, river tubing, rappelling, kayaking and root climbing.

Likewise, the opening of a theme park called Fantasyland in Zamboanga del Norte has boosted tourist arrivals in said destination. The entertainment facility includes interactive rides, shows and activities for foreign and domestic visitors. A 360-room hotel will also be built in the park.

Gauging from the interests of many foreign and domestic visitors to participate in environmental, heritage and livelihood projects, the Hands On Volunteer Vacation Tour Package was launched in Oriental Mindoro, Bohol, Boracay island, Aklan, Laguna and Batangas.

Trekking, birdwatching, and ecotourism products in Mount Apo were enriched with new adventure, camping and cultural interaction activities which have drawn more tourists during the summer months.

The Tourism department foresees that increased investments in accommodation and transportation as well as development of new facilities and destinations will sustain the growth of the sector and position Philippine tourism for the next level of growth spurts as international markets recover from the global economic downturn. –Random Jottings, Manila Times

rjottings@yahoo.com