VIAJE: How tourism developed in

the Philippines
BY ANSON YU · PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 21, 2017 · UPDATED MARCH 6, 2017
 From top: Hotel de Oriente, the most modern hotel during the late Spanish period,
its amenities included electricity and telephone (circa 1890); 1912 photo of the
country’s most historic hotel – The Manila Hotel; One of the earliest hotels in
Baguio, the Zig-Zag Hotel (1910).

Tourism is a trillion-dollar – and still growing – global industry. United Nations

World Tourism Organization records show that in 2015 alone, there was a 4.4
percent increase in international tourist arrivals, reaching 1.18 billion travelers.
Because of this global boom in travel, tourism has emerged as the fifth most
important industry in the Philippines. In 2015 earnings from the tourism
industry contributed about $5 billion or 10.6 percent to the country’s gross
domestic product; with an estimated 4.7 million Filipinos directly employed in
the tourism sector.

But how did tourism take root in the Philippines?

Archaeological evidence indicates that people have been traveling around

these islands way before the Spaniards. Such travels involved trade,
diplomacy or war. The Sultan of Sulu who traveled to Beijing to pay tribute to
the emperor is a case in point. What is more uncertain is whether any such
travels were done for leisure.

During the Spanish colonial era, most travel involved trading between coastal
towns and cities. The rivers and seas help linked the settlements. Mountains
and forests formed natural barriers in the interior spaces of most of the
islands. As road-building technology was not well developed, communities
located on mountains or near forests were considered remote. Some of the
more common reasons for traveling during the Spanish colonial period
included getting an education, searching for work and going on a religious
pilgrimage.

A popular journey was visiting the Church of Our Lady of Peace and Good
Voyage in Antipolo. In May, pilgrims seeking the Virgin’s blessings and
protection would board boats near Quiapo, heading upriver to either Cainta or
Taytay. Since the church was located on top of a hill, visitors took transport
either in hammocks carried by crews of men or by horse-drawn carriage. After
the pilgrimage, some visitors would go bathe in a nearby waterfall known as
Hinulugang Taktak.

During those times, traveling to foreign lands was very slow and very
expensive. Traveling to Spain, for example, took as long as a year via the
Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade route. Thus, a popular option was to stay at
rest houses, which were frequently located on the edges of towns or city, so
travel time became shorter. Some rest houses were run by religious orders
such as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in what is now Makati. But this
was exclusive only to religious workers and high-ranking colonial officials.

There were also privately owned rest houses. A good example would be
Malacañan Palace, which was originally owned by businessman Don Luis
Rocha. During the latter half of the 19th century, the Spanish colonial
authorities introduced innovations such as railroad, electricity and telegram.
As Manila opened to world trade, non-Spanish businessmen, diplomats and
sailors began visiting the city.
As their numbers grew, it became apparent that the standards of Manila’s inns
were no longer adequate. The city needed a first class hotel.

So in 1889, the city’s first deluxe hotel, Hotel de Oriente, opened. When the
United States replaced Spain as the country’s new colonial administrator in
1898, one of their goals was to make Manila look more like an American city.
Hotel de Oriente was deemed inadequate and considered a symbol of the
Spanish-era Manila, and was replaced with a bigger and more modern hotel.

On the commemoration of American Independence on July 4, 1912, the

Americans opened the Manila Hotel, which quickly became and is still one of
the city’s most important landmarks. America began exploiting the mineral and
forest wealth in the country’s mountain regions, and soon realized how much
cooler the area was compare to the coastal areas. They converted a remote
rural settlement called Baguio into a city. Because of its cooler temperature, it
became a popular destination during the hot summer months.
During the first half of the 20th century, the number of foreign travelers were
still small and limited to the capital city of Manila. It was the country’s main
point of entry, as this was where the main harbor was located. The country
then had one of the of world’s longest passenger piers, Pier 7. The first
scheduled trans-Pacific passenger flight from San Francisco was done in
1935. Since Manila did not have an airport then, Pan American Airline would
use huge flying boats known as the Pan Am Clippers that would land on
Manila Bay. Where before the journey by ocean liner took two weeks, Pan Am
was able to reduce travel time down to 59 hours with four stops. But it was far
from the age of mass tourism as each plane could only accommodate 25
passengers.

Anticipating the growth of civil aviation in the country, New Zealand-born

businessman Laurie Nielsen opened the country’s first civilian airport in 1937.
It was from this airport that the country’s first airline, Philippine Airlines, first
flew in 1941. Because the country’s road systems then were not extensive,
local travel was very limited and difficult. Only a few places outside of Manila,
such as Baguio and Taal Volcano, were developed specifically for tourism.
Public transport such as ships, buses and trains were unreliable and unsafe.

After World War II, the government maintained its pre-war view of tourism. But
one Filipino, Modesto Farolan, saw tourism’s potential. He was serving as the
country’s first consul general in Hawaii, where he saw how tourism there was
stimulated by the Hawaii Visitors Bureau.
Upon his return to Manila, he started the Philippine Tourists and Travel
Association in 1950. Beginning with a small space at The Manila Hotel, the
PTTA began its modest work of publishing and distributing brochures about
travel in the Philippines. In 1956, the government began to acknowledge the
potential of tourism. That same year, the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry
was set up. Then in 1960, the government began keeping records of the
number of visitors arriving in the country.

For that year, the country was able to attract 51,000 visitors. As numbers
began to rise, a few foreign hotel chains took notice and decided to enter the
local tourism market. The three earliest to enter were the Sheraton and the
Hilton in 1968, and then the Intercontinental in 1969. By 1973, visitor numbers
grew to 243,000. With the rising number of tourists, the board was
reorganized as the Ministry of Tourism (now Department of Tourism). As
awareness about tourism grew, Filipinos began seeing a career in tourism as
a respectable choice. The University of Philippines responded to this by
offering one of the first tourism degree courses in the country in 1977.

In anticipation of the growth in visitor numbers, more hotels and resorts began
opening in Manila and a few key provincial cities in the 1970s. Among them
were international brands such as Holiday Inn, Hyatt, The Peninsula and the
Mandarin Oriental. Most of the newer hotels were geared toward the business
and luxury markets. Because of the entry of these new luxury hotels, it
prompted older hotels such as the Manila Hotel to undergo major renovations
in order to keep up with the competition.

Instead of investing money in a marketing campaign, the DOT tried to promote

tourism through hosting international events such as conferences and sporting
meets. Among those that were held here were the Miss Universe beauty
pageant in 1974 and the World Bank-International Monetary Fund meeting
and the Ali-Frazer “Thrilla in Manila” boxing match in 1975. By 1980, the
country was able to attract 1,008,000 foreign visitors. But the country was
unable to sustain the numbers as it struggled with political instability in the
1980s. One of the major issues was the massive debt problem with foreign
financial institutions. Unable to obtain loans, the country’s infrastructure began
to fall behind. The foreign debt problem also led the local economy to
collapse. With the local economy providing fewer jobs, some Filipinos tried to
cope by going into prostitution.

Because of this, the country’s tourism image suffered further as it became

known as a destination for tourists seeking cheap sex. Because the
government was poor, the tourism department was unable to mount a
marketing campaign to counter these negative images. Visitor arrivals
dropped to 783,000 in 1986. Visitor numbers did not breach the one million
mark again until two years later in 1988. Except in 1991 when it fell again,
there were at least one million visitors who came to the country per year
throughout the last decade of the 20th century.
By 1999, the country was able to attract 1.9 million visitors. This is because
the DOT started investing in a marketing campaign. By then, many Asian
governments were already conducting their own campaigns in an effort to
create a brand image for their country, such as “Malaysia Truly Asia” and
India’s “Incredible India” campaigns. The first campaign launched by the DOT
was in 1994 with the slogan “Fiesta Island Philippines!”

The sector that gave tourism the biggest boost in the 1990s was local civil
aviation. It was then that budget airlines were introduced and more provincial
airports were opened to international flights. This move enabled local and
foreign travelers to go to areas that were once too remote and expensive. The
move helped stimulate tourism in provinces such as Batanes and Palawan.
The island resort of Boracay became a popular international resort
destination.

In 2001, the DOT relaunched the country’s tourism image with a new
campaign called “Wow Philippines.” The campaign was deemed a success as
the volume of visitors increased to three million by 2007. It was not easy for
the DOT to achieve such a figure as it had to deal with a number of domestic
and foreign events that affected tourism in general, such as the SARS
epidemic and the hostage-taking crisis at a seaside resort by the Abu Sayaf
group.

In 2000, the country saw the introduction of the long weekend, where the
celebration of a public holiday was moved to the nearest weekend, creating a
three-day holiday break. This gave Filipinos more time to travel around the
country. In addition, an increase in income and car ownership, as well as a
better highway network, enabled Filipinos to explore their own country like
never before. Some analysts estimated that the number of domestic tourists
could be as high as 50 million and contribute as much as P1.4 trillion annually
in tourism revenues.
The DOT had a difficult year in 2010 as it faced three major crises. The first
was the attempt to rebrand the country’s tourism image once again. The new
marketing campaign was dubbed “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” (Philippines so
beautiful). The use of the Filipino language in its slogan was heavily criticized,
as it might not be understood in foreign markets. Others criticized the
campaign’s new logo as resembling Poland’s tourism bureau logo. The
embarrassment led to the new campaign’s pull out just weeks after it was
launched and the tourism secretary was replaced.

The second crisis was when all Philippine carriers were banned from flying
over European airspace due to safety concerns. With the ban’s initiation,
Dutch carrier KLM became the only airline left that flew between the
Philippines and Europe. The ban limited the number of European visitors to
the Philippines until it was lifted in 2015. But the most damaging event to local
tourism was the hostage-taking incident at the Quirino Grandstand, when a
disgruntled police officer held a busload of tourists from Hong Kong hostage.
The bungled rescue operation was broadcasted live around the world and the
reputation of the Philippines suffered.

In 2012, a new marketing campaign was launched, dubbed “It’s more fun in
the Philippines.” Within weeks of its launching, it was judged one of the top
three smartest campaigns by global marketing campaign ranker, Warc 100.
And though there were criticisms that it copied a 1951 Swiss tourism
campaign, it did help tourist arrivals rise to 4.2 million.

To sustain the growth momentum, the DOT continued its campaign with a
“Visit the Philippines Year” in 2015. Visitors figures reached 5.3 million. The
following year, the DOT further increased visitor arrivals to 5.96 million, an
11.31 percent growth, with the “Visit Philippines Again 2016” campaign.

Indeed, Philippine tourism has come a long way, although challenges to local
tourism are still numerous, particularly in the areas of security, marketing and
infrastructure. But as more Filipinos become more aware of how tourism can
affect their lives, the more they will see themselves as stakeholders. Hopefully
 more Filipinos will learn to come and work together in order to fully harness –
and reap – the benefits of tourism.

http://tulay.ph/2017/02/21/viaje-how-tourism-developed-in-the-philippines/

TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES

TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES
 PRINT

Tourism plays an important role in the Philippine economy. The

country boasts of rich natural beauty in its many spectacular
beaches, sunny weather and rich bio-diversity. More than that, the
Philippines’ unique and complex culture, as exemplified by its
people, cuisine and lifestyle, attracts many people to visit the
country.

Culture

The Philippines, is an archipelagic country located in Southeast

Asia with Manila as its capital city. The Philippine archipelago
comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The
Philippines is a country that contains a myriad of different
amalgamated cultures and influences. The superficial face of
modern Filipino culture has many more influences from the Western
world than other nearby Asian cultures. Most of these influences
are a product of previous colonization and derived mainly from the
cultures of Spain and the United States, with a secondary influence
from Latin American cultures who were under Spain during the
same period the Philippines was. Despite the visual Western and
Hispanic influences, the older Asian aspects of Filipino culture are
still not lost. Within Asia, this Western-Eastern juxtaposition is most
seen in the Philippines, and continues to fascinate many a guest to
the country.
Cuisine

Philippine cuisine consists of the foods, preparation methods and

eating customs found in the Philippines. The style of cooking and
the foods associated with it have evolved over several centuries
from its Austronesian origins to a mixed cuisine with many
Hispanic, Chinese, American, and other Asian influences adapted to
indigenous ingredients and the local palate.

Dishes range from the very simple, like a meal of fried salted fish
and rice, to the elaborate paellas and cocidoscreated for fiestas.
Popular dishes include lechón (whole roasted
pig), longganisa (Philippine sausage), tapa(cured
beef), torta (omelette), adobo (chicken and/or pork braised in garlic,
vinegar, oil and soy sauce, or cooked until dry), kaldereta (meat in
tomato sauce stew), mechado (larded beef in soy and tomato
sauce), pochero (beef in bananas and tomato
sauce), afritada (chicken or pork simmered in a tomato sauce with
vegetables), kare-kare (oxtail and vegetables cooked in peanut
sauce), crispy pata (deep-fried pig's leg), hamonado (pork
sweetened in pineapple sauce), sinigang (meat or seafood in sour
broth), pancit (noodles), and lumpia (fresh or fried spring rolls).

FAMOUS TOURIST SPOTS

 Intramuros, a walled city in Manila, was built by the Spanish in
the 16th century. Originally, Manila‘s boundaries were the city
walls. But due to the growing size of the city, newer buildings
were built outside these walls. As of today, Intramuros
contains museums, churches and an old fort.
 Somewhere in the archipelago, there is at least one fiesta
being celebrated 365 days a year (By the third week of
January head off to Kalibo for the Asia's version of the Mardi
Gras). Manila, Cebu and Boracay are the ground zero for
parties - pool parties, yacht parties, rave and fashion events.
 Makati City is the modern face of Manila, in complete contrast
to Intramuros. Major malls, business centers, hotels are
situated in Makati City. Lined with modern high rise buildings,
the Makati skyline is the best in the country.
 Aklan is one of the most visited provinces in the Philippines
not only because of its beaches but also of its popular yearly
colorful event which is the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo.
 Chocolate Hills are limestone hills that turn brown during the
summer. Chocolate Hills are found in the island province of
Bohol, which is also the home of one of the smallest primates
in the world—the Philippine tarsier.
 The Hanging Coffins of Sagada and the Banaue Rice Terraces
are worth a visit in the Northern Philippines. The rice terraces
were carved out of mountains thousands of years ago and by
far the most extensive of its kind in the world with
sophisticated irrigation and engineering that was unthinkable
during the time it was built.
 Taal Volcano, one of the smallest active volcanoes in the
world, sits on a lake and is just an hour away from Manila. The
fresh cool air off the Tagaytay Ridge provides a spectacular
view of the lake and the volcano. Visitors should confirm
whether hiking to the crater is safe or not before attempting to
do so.
 North of Manila, take the rough road and go to Mt. Pinatubo,
the volcano which caused a massive eruption in 1991. Now you
can marvel at the volcano up close and swim inside its crater.
The last eruption was one of the biggest during the last
century and lowered the global temperature by at least a
degree.
 The Hundred Islands, also located in the Northern Philippines,
is a group of more that 400 islets with coral reefs surrounding
the islets. These islands are famous for their beaches and the
coral reefs, which can be explored by snorkeling.
 About two thousand years ago, mountains in Northern Luzon
were carved by indigenous people to form what is now the
Banaue Rice Terraces. The rice terraces cover 4,000 square
miles (10,000 km2) of mountainside. The Banaue Rice Terraces
is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  The province of Palawan is one of the most beautiful islands in
the South China Sea. Palawan has natural gas fields on the
northeastern part of the island but the beautiful beaches
around the island remain pristine. The island is home to the
spectacular Tubbataha Reef and the breathtaking Puerto
Princesa Subterranean River National Park, both UNESCO
World Heritage sites.
 Boracay Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations
in the country. The island boasts a 4-kilometer stretch of white
sand beach, considered to be the best beach in Asia and one
of the top ten beaches in the world.
 The gateway to the natural wonders in the Central Visayas,
Cebu is a top tourist destination in the Philippines. The
country's oldest street and city are found in this bustling
metropolis where the urban sprawl is ever growing. Many
tourists, who wish to stay away from the metro's hustle and
bustle, are drawn to Cebu's hidden secrets: amazing dive sites,
island resorts, white-sand islets, waterfalls, lakes, springs,
mountain trails and countless wonders, all of which are a short
bus ride away.
 Surfing in the Philippines is comparable to the best in the
world – with the world-famous cloud 9s off the island of
Siargao facing the Philippine Trench in the Western Pacific as
well as the surfing destinations of La Union and Zambales
(facing the South China Sea).
 The Philippines is one of the top three best diving destinations
in the world. The archipelago is one of the top biodiversity
hotspots in the world, with the most number of species
concentrated in one area. The best dive sites in the Philippines
are located in Anilao, Boracay, Malapascua, Apo Island,
Balicasag, Pamilacan, Tubbataha, Palawan, and Puerto Galera.
Subic Bay, home of a former American naval base, is also
known for World War II wreck dives.

https://guangzhoupcg.dfa.gov.ph/tourism-in-the-philippines
A GLIMPSE ON PHILIPPINE TOURISM THEN
AND NOW
The Philippine economy will never surge towards its summit of growth and
development, without the aid of the tourism industry. This is the major reason
why, the said largest economic booster of the Philippines is dubbed as the
centerpiece of economic reform. In a broader spectrum, Philippine tourism has
an interesting and magnificent beginning that nobody dared to discover.
Therefore, this write up will gladly share with the rest of our readers around the
globe, about this very enlightening socio-economic fact. Primarily, the tourism
sector of the Philippine archipelago which overwhelmingly constitutes 7,107
enigmatic islands has an abundant biodiversity composition of lush tropical
rainforests, mountains which are as high as the blue skies, blue waters and
sandy beaches, eye-catching coral reefs and historical coves which are truly
worth visiting.

Pre-and Post Martial Law Years of Philippine Tourism

Moreover, the Philippines has smitten the hearts and fancies of tourists by its
inspiring and vibrant history that no other Asian nation can ever surpass nor
equal. Historically, this captivatingly optimistic country in Asia possesses an
industry of tourism which had unexpectedly flourished during the circa of the pre
and post Martial Law years. Despite of the said political upheaval and
sociological uncertainties, the tourism sector remained focused on its long-term
goals. However, it had slowly degenerated during the middle part of the 1980’s. It
was because of the terrors brought about by senseless crimes, peso devaluation
and the aftermaths of the Aquino assassination. To know more about the subject
matter, let us go deeper into these historical facts. On the average, the length of
stay of millions of tourists had drastically shortened. An approximate of 12.6 days
had been recorded by the Ministry of Tourism, during the Marcos regime.
Furthermore, in 1988 alone the duration of tourists’ rendezvous had become
even worse. It had dipped below at its shortest of 8.9 days. But, miracles do
happen. Unbelievably, the industry had bounced back from its deteriorating
economic predicament after four years.

The Ramos Administration’s Legacy to Philippine Tourism

President Fidel V. Ramos’ administration had cured the ailing condition

of Philippine tourism. This had occurred in 1992, when the statistics of tourists
who were then visiting the country had gone up; with an inimitable record high of
1.2 million. With this remarkable legacy of former Philippine president Fidel
Valdez Ramos, the Philippines had once become the “Economic Tiger of Asia”.
Consequently, at the onset of the year 2000 the number of tourists had
dramatically increased. It had unprecedentedly risen to 2.2 million.

The Tourism Industry Reforms during the Arroyo Stewardship

When Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had ascended to the presidency in 2001, the
small but terrible economist from Lubao, Pampanga, had done everything
possible within her power and capacity as Chief Executive, to further enhance
the exemplary progress of Philippine tourism. To date, in 2003 the number of
tourists in the country had escalated to 2, 838,000. In a simpler context, this was
evidently reflective of the welcoming development that the Philippine economy
was doing better than in previous years, with a tourism growth percentage of
29%. This impressive economic performance and achievement of the
Department of Tourism continued for several years more, till it had reached as
high as 3.4 million in 2007.

Incidentally, during the first quarter of that same year, the Department of Tourism
bragged about this most remarkable economic standout claiming that the
percentage rate of tourists in the Philippines had unceasingly increased. At
present, there are approximately 3.9 million of tourists who are enjoyably visiting
the Philippines.

Philippine Tourism: How Does It Contribute to the Economy?

Needless to say, the tourism industry is contributing a lot to the economic

development endeavors of the Philippines. In a much broader but clearer
explanation, tourism is one of the central social phenomena of a particular
country, with diverse, far reaching and positive economic consequences. One of
them is employment generation, which aims to eliminate the rising incidences of
poverty and other related socio-economic problems. In a research study of the
United Nation, it has tremendously lauded the efforts of the Philippines; to fully
intensify its agenda and campaigns on tourism development.

Economically, the economic benefits of tourism in the Philippines have been

carefully gauged based on the percentages of tourists’ arrival in the said country.
Likewise, it also includes the foreign exchange’s sum total which was used and
generously provided by the sector of tourism. Therefore, these abstracts, partial
and general measurements summarized the enormous economic benefits
of Philippine tourism. Accordingly, there are also other sub-sectors which
equally generate higher economic revenues to the tourism industry of
Philippines. Like for instance, the hotel industry, which is being regarded as
the “tertiary or service sector” of Philippine tourism. Believe it or not, this part of
the Philippine government was able to deliver 93% of their total economic output.
In another relevant development, the United Nations’ research conclusive
findings had clearly and significantly revealed that the total gross output of the
said industry has amounted to 56.8 billion or at least 4 percent of the country’s
national total production of 1,485.1 million pesos in 1988.

Moreover, more than half of the total economic output of Philippine tourism can
be largely and extensively attributed to both the hotels and restaurant sub-
sectors in the Philippines. Generally, they have total gross receipts of 31.5 billion
pesos. Meanwhile, the transportation services of tourists in the Philippines; as
well as travel agencies around the country had recorded their own share of an
economic output of 0.4 billion. With all these presented and validated statistical
data by the Department of Tourism in the Philippines, these positive conclusions
are formulated.

Effective Ways on How the Tourism Industry Can Boost Philippine

Economics

1. The tourism industry in the Philippines is not only an income and

employment generating component of the Philippine economy. It is also one
of the best economic boosters in terms of having long-term goals for the
indigenous people of the Republic
2. A job creator for the women sector of the Philippines. This women
empowerment move of Philippine tourism involves both the educated and
uneducated women in the Philippines, just like what Senator Richard Gordon
did to Subic in Olongapo, City, Philippines after the eruption of Mount
Pinatubo in 1991 The charisma and potentials of Filipino women, along with
their positive and inspiring mental attitudes toward children are excellent
indicators of their incomparable hospitality traits. Thus, making the
Philippines, a tourism hub in the next few years
3. The hotel industry and its numerous sub-sectors must be greatly improved
in terms of services, facilities; as well as having flexible and affordable rates ,
to keep foreign guests in the loving cradle of the Philippines
4. To ensure the continuous and incomparable economic benefits of tourism
in the economy of the Philippines, the personal safety of travelers from other
countries, must be PRIORITIZED. This move can be easily done by issuing
travel advisories, prior to the scheduled booking and visits of those people,
who want to personally see the beauty and charm of the Philippines
5. The historical and world-renowned tourist attractions in the Philippines
must be preserved and well-maintained, so as to limitless benefits from the
tourism industry

Top 5 Economic Boosting Tourist Attractions in the Philippines

Providing everyone with short but awakening descriptions of the “Top 5 Tourist
Attractions in the Philippines”, will definitely make every reader of this article to
become a well- seasoned traveler, even without having yet a personal
commune to these finest and magnificent tourist destinations, at the moment.
Best of all, they had contributed millions of pesos to the colorful world of
Philippine tourism. Below, are some of the most unforgettable and timeless
destinations that you must dare visit; while you and your family are enjoying the
ultimate vacation escapade in a tropical country like the Philippines.

1. Cebu- Historically known as the” Queen City of the South”, the province of
Cebu had generated a gross income or tourism revenue productivity of 1.615
million pesos, comprising almost 29% of the total number of foreign tourists.
This overall tourism percentage pertains to Korean visitors alone.
Comparatively speaking, they were outnumbered by Chinese tourists with
70%. This was made possible due to numerous chartered flights booking in
the country
2. Camarines Sur in Bicol- Colloquially, their natives call this province in the
Bicol Region as “Cam Sur”. This part of Region V had incredibly increased its
number of tourists by

117.2 %. Similarly, Camarines Sur has approximately 1.5 million visitors in 2011.
Among the recreational and competitive events which these voyagers loved to
watch were First Aqua Fest Celebrity Challenge, Triathlon, the International
Dragon Boat Competition and many more

1. Metro Manila– The generated tourism revenue of Metro Manila is

estimated at 1.442 million pesos. In order to welcome guests from other
countries, Mega Manila had opened a total of 1,056 new hotel
accommodations with superb and innovative modern facilities and
dependable hotel services. In 2011, 20 cruise liners had leisurely docked in
the busiest capital of the Philippines. Along this line, the tourists’ arrival in
Metro Manila had created an impressive economic growth rate percentage of
2.24%. On the other hand, the most popularly visited tourist spots in Metro
Manila; are Tagaytay and Intramuros respectively. “The best reason why
should you visit Metro Manila?” You can rent a private pool to relax,
 rejuvenate and cool yourselves down during the hot and scorching months of
summer.
2. Baguio- The Philippines’ summer capital. Over the years, it had made
Philippine tourism beam with pride, when Baguio had increased its tourism
revenues by 20%. This came after some of the most notable Philippine
archaeologists, had discovered the presence of the “Kabayan mummies.” As
estimated, the total tourism revenue of Baguio is amounting 770,187 million
pesos and continues to grow as of this year
3. Davao– It is widely popular among voyagers across the globe, because
this is where you can find the Philippines’ highest peak”. Speaking of its much
sought after tourist attractions, they can be any of the following: The Eden
Nature Park and the Crocodile Farm. Revenue wise, it had provided the
Department of Tourism a total of 669,864 pesos in previous years.

Truly, the economic power of tourism in the Philippines is immeasurable and

dynamic. Despite of the fact that the Philippines is not that economically
progressive and viable as compared to other Southeast Asian nations in the
world, its beauty, splendor and magnificence remain to be the apple of the eye of
millions of voyagers, the world over. Indeed, IT’S FUN TO BE IN THE
PHILIPPINES, Right?

http://driftwoodjourneys.com/a-glimpse-on-philippine-tourism-then-and-now/

The future of
Philippine tourism

Slowly but surely, the tourism industry is becoming the third growth engine in the
service sector, after remittances from overseas Filipino workers and the BPO-IT
sector. Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo recently announced that the figures for foreign
visitors in the first two months of 2017 show encouraging signs that the target of 7
million foreign tourists for the whole of 2017 is attainable. There were 631,639
foreign arrivals in January, and 579,178 in February, half of them from South Korea
and the United States. These figures for the first two months of the year already
represent 17.30 percent of the targeted 7 million visitors. That’s the good news.
The not-so-good news is that the Philippines is way behind its neighbors in foreign
tourism. In 2016, for example, Thailand attracted 33 million foreign visitors, Malaysia
27 million, Singapore 16 million, Indonesia 12 million, Vietnam 10 million, and the
Philippines 6 million. These figures can be found in a detailed report on Philippine
tourism issued by the think tank CLSA based in Hong Kong.

In a publication issued last February, titled “Mabuhay! Philippine tourism still full of
potential,” analyst Jose-Paolo Fontanilla of CLSA analyzed the Philippine tourism
industry and made projections for the next six years. He painted a bright scenario,
projecting that international tourist arrivals will grow at 16 percent annually for the
next six years so that by 2022 total arrivals will break the 14-million mark. Foreign
exchange receipts by 2022 will account for 3.5 percent of GDP.
There is an upside in what is called “Dutertenomics”—i.e., if the massive
infrastructure projects both by the government and the private sector (public-private
partnerships) are actually implemented, the influx of foreign visitors could even be
beyond expectations. Note that a good number of the planned projects involve the
privatization of airports in the major tourism destinations like Cebu, Bohol, Palawan,
Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.
Also contributing to a positive outlook is the rebalancing strategy being followed by
the Duterte administration in shifting greater attention to closer relations with our
northeast Asian neighbors such as China, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan—potential
sources of increased tourism flows into the Philippines. The CLSA study projects the
number of Chinese tourists to the Philippines to pass the 4.5-million mark by 2022,
which would still be half of Thailand’s Chinese visitors. By that time China could
account for 32 percent of the Philippines’ tourist arrivals, surpassing South Korea as
the Philippines’ top source of tourists, perhaps as early as 2019. In fact, the one-
million mark of Chinese tourists to the Philippines may be reached this year. There is
a lot of room for growth for tourists from Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia, as
well as Australia and the United Kingdom.
As a whole, international tourist arrivals can grow at the brisk rate of 16 percent
annually (keeping pace with the growth of the BPO-IT sector), compared to only 9
percent during the past six years (2010-2016). Total arrivals will reach 14 million
tourists who will be contributing 3.5 percent to GDP by 2022, up from 2.4 percent in
2016. Tourism also should include the more than 65 million domestic travelers, as
reported in the 2015 Domestic Household Survey conducted by the Philippine
Statistical Authority. If domestic tourism is included, the gross value added
contributed by the tourism sector is already equivalent to 8.2 percent of GDP as of the
latest actual data in 2015. The CSLA analysis expects this to reach 12.6 percent of
GDP by 2022.
Even more important than its contribution to GDP is the employment-generating
potential of the tourism sector, especially in the countryside. As of 2015, the tourism
sector was estimated to have a total employment of 5.0 million, representing about
12.7 percent of the global workforce in the country. The Duterte administration is
targeting to bring this number up to 6.5 million by 2022; this would bring up the rate
to 14.4 percent of total employees, which is close to the employment rate of
manufacturing today.
Comments to bernardo.villegas@uap.asia

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The thriving travel and

tourism sector
By Mark Louis F. Ferrolino, Special Features Writer

Despite economic and political challenges across the globe, the travel and
tourism industry remains as a key sector for economic development and
job creation. The industry has experienced a steady growth in the past
years, contributing around seven trillion US dollars to the global economy
each year.
According to a report by one of the largest professional services networks
in the world, Deloitte, the global travel industry gross bookings in 2017
reached up to $1.6 trillion, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing
sectors in the world. The industry now accounts for 10.2% of the global
gross domestic product (GDP).

Deloitte noted that the number of international travel departures has more
than doubled from roughly 600 million to 1.3 billion over the past two
decades. With its ancient history and rich culture, Europe receives the most
international tourist arrivals, followed by the Asia-Pacific region.

For the next 10 years, South Asia is expected to be the fastest growing
world region with expected average annual direct travel and tourism GDP
growth of 6.7%, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council
(WTTC). It is followed by Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia, where
average annual growth of 5.9% and 5.7% are expected, respectively.

Globally, the travel and tourism industry’s contribution to Gross Domestic

Product (GDP) is expected to grow at an average of 3.9% per year over the
next 10 years, the WTTC says. It is expected to support more than 380
million jobs, which equates to one in nine of all jobs in the world. The sector
is expected to outperform the global economy throughout the forecast
period and increase its share of global economic activity in the years to
come.

In the Philippines, the travel and tourism industry is one of the major
contributors to the economy. With over 7,100 islands, the archipelago
boasts a rich biodiversity, breathtaking attractions, and colorful historical
and cultural heritage that attract millions of foreign tourists each year.

In the latest report released by the Department of Tourism (DoT), foreign

tourist arrivals in 2017 reached 6,620,908, an 11% higher from the previous
year’s arrival of 5,967,005. South Korea remained as the top tourist market
for the country, posting 1,607,821 arrivals; followed by China with 968,447,
and the United States with 957,813.

In the previous years, the contribution of the travel and tourism industry to
the country’s total GDP has been steadily rising. From around 7.8% in
2014, it grew at 8.2% in 2015 and 8.6% in 2016. The share of employment
in tourism industries to total employment in the country was recorded at
12.5%, 12.7% and 12.8% in 2014 to 2016, respectively.

To further boost the country’s tourist arrivals, the DoT has been conducting
various marketing strategies and securing agreements with international
institutions that help promote the country. Also, the agency is supporting
travel and tourism events that create opportunities for Philippine tourism to
expand.

The annual Travel Tour Expo (TTE), organized by the Philippine Travel
Agencies Association (PTAA), is one of these. TTE is the biggest travel
and tourism event in the country that extensively brings together industry
stakeholders in one venue to showcase their discounted package deals.
TTE allows exhibitors to expand their networks and grow their businesses
and gives Filipinos the best opportunity to plan their trips either as
individual or group.

This year, the annual event is happening today until Sunday, Feb. 11, at
SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, accommodating a record high of
400 exhibitors including 94 travel agencies with expected visitors of more
than 140,000.

The PTAA is also bringing back the International Travel Trade Expo (iTTE),
the business-to-business component of TTE, where there will be more than
250 travel agencies and 80 companies from 16 countries participating as
buyers and sellers, respectively. The iTTE gives travel agencies the
opportunity to expand their respective outbound products and services by
networking and starting partnerships with their foreign counterparts.

After these activities, the PTAA sets to hold its regular trainings and
seminars for its members and industry players and planned to keep in
touch with government agencies that impact the country’s travel and
tourism industry.

https://www.bworldonline.com/thriving-travel-tourism-sector/

PH tourist arrivals up by 7.59% in

Q1 2019
By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora May 9, 2019, 2:30 pm

Share

MORE TOURISTS, MORE FUN. Tourists flock world-famous Boracay Island before
its temporary closure for rehabilitation last year. Latest data from the
Department of Tourism show that tourist arrivals in the country increased by 7.59
percent in the first quarter of 2019. (PNA file photo)

MANILA -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) reported a 7.59 percent increase in

tourist arrivals to the Philippines in the first quarter of 2019, indicating that the
country's tourism "is on the right track."

According to figures released by the DOT on Thursday, around 2,204,564 foreign

visitors arrived in the country from January to March 2019, reflecting a 7.59
percent rise from 2,049,094 over the same period last year.

“The DOT is working on enhancing our tourism products and tourism

infrastructure to entice tourists to choose the Philippines as their next
destination," DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said.

South Korea remains the top source market with 519,584 tourist arrivals
compared to last year’s 477,087.

The period also saw the Chinese market ranking second with 463,804 tourists,
24.87 percent higher than the previous year’s tally of 371,429. In third spot is the
United States, registering 293,780 visitors, up by 3.10 percent from last year.

Taiwanese visitors posted the highest percentage increase which grew to 77,908
from 59,877 in 2018 or 30.11 percent higher than last year.

Completing the top 12 markets for the three-month period are: Japan, 177,769;
Taiwan, 77,908; Australia, 73,147; Canada, 72,352; United Kingdom, 53,402;
Singapore, 39,484; Malaysia, 37,651; India, 36,275; and Germany, 33,725.

For March numbers alone, the DOT reported a visitor arrival of 714,309 or an
11.13 percent growth versus the same month last year.

"Notably, France entered the top 12 for the month of March, posting 10,715
visitors, a 26.21 percent growth from last year’s March tally of 8,489 while
Germany rose to 11th place with 11,075 visitors, sporting a 9 percent increase,"
the DOT said.

Germany nudged India to 13th place, with a total of 10,086, up slightly with a
1.52 percent increase vis-a-vis 9,935 of last year.

Meanwhile, visiting Philippine passport-holders permanently residing abroad (not

including overseas Filipino workers), otherwise known as “balikbayans,” totaled
14,610 as of March.
Puyat attributed the growth in numbers of visitors to the rehabilitated Boracay
Island, touted as a model of sustainable tourism development, as it continues to
attract tourists since its reopening in October last year.

The DOT chief also credited improved connectivity for the upward trend in tourist
arrivals to the country.

In her recent speech, Puyat said the DOT remains committed with its objective
to establish the Philippines as a "quality destination" in the region.

"For that, we need to be able to prioritize the following: adequate infrastructure,

ease in travel facilitation, safety and security and developed tourism areas," she
said.

"To ensure that we get these done, the DOT is implementing a convergence
approach where the Department works in partnership with other national
government agencies," she added. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069334

'More Fun For Everyone': A Philippine tourism industry grown by

Filipinos for Filipinos

238SHARES10
(The Philippine Star) - May 18, 2019 - 3:56pm

The Philippine tourism industry has grown by leaps and bounds in the last
10 years. In 2018, the Philippines welcomed 7.1 million international
visitors, compared to 2009’s 3 million foreign arrivals.

One of the most heartening indicators of the growth of the Philippine

tourism industry is the number of jobs it has created in the last decade. By
2017, 5.3 million jobs — 13.1% of total employment — were directly
attributed to the tourism sector.

Did you know that these benefits and the industry’s growth were given a
boost through the enactment of Republic Act 9593, better known as the
Tourism Act of 2009?
Where the fun started
Enacted on May 12, 2009 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in
Cebu City, Republic Act 9593 recognized tourism as an indispensable
element of the national economy and an industry of national interest and
importance. Sen. Richard Gordon and former Bohol Representative
Edgardo Chatto were the principal authors of the law.

According to Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat:

“The positive growth of the tourism industry today is because of the
innovations of the Tourism Act of 2009. The law has enabled the nation to
develop the sector to provide inclusive growth to communities all over the
country.”

In 2017, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the sector

contributed 12.2% to the country’s GDP, equivalent to P1.929 trillion. This is
a huge leap compared to P466 billion in 2009 (5.8% of the GDP).

As intended by RA 9593, tourism is now a major revenue generator, a

catalyst for socio-economic growth and a source of national pride.
#ItsMoreFuninthePhilippines for real, and we all have a part to play.

Tourism roadmap 2022

“The tourism bill is not manna from heaven; it is a challenge for Filipinos to
take stock in the beauty of their homeland and the talents of their
countrymen. We already have everything we need to become one of the
biggest tourism destinations in the world but it will not come without hard
work,” said the act’s principal author, Sen. Gordon.

Under RA 9593, DOT was reorganized and given considerable sources of

funding to achieve its designated mandate and functions.

As provided by RA 9593, the Philippine National Tourism Plan (NTDP) is

DOT’s strategic framework that guides the development of the industry.

The NTDP 2016-2022 aims to realize 12 million tourist arrivals and

generate P3.9 trillion tourism revenue, contributing a Gross Value Added of
P2.4 trillion to the country’s GDP and employing 6.5 million Filipinos by
2022.
DOT prioritizes the programs that are concerned with: (1) developing
adequate infrastructure, (2) facilitating travel, (3) providing safety and
security, and (4) developing tourism areas.

To ensure that we get these done, the DOT is implementing a convergence

approach where the department works in partnership with other national
government agencies such as the Department of Transportation and the
Department of Public Works and Highways.

As of now, there are 12 international gateways that service the 49 Tourism

Development Areas in the Philippines, with eight having already undergone
rehabilitation and improvement.

In 2018, the convergence of the government agencies facilitated the

construction and opening of new airports such as the Mactan-Cebu
International Airport that can now accommodate 12.5 million passengers
per year. The Bohol-Panglao International Airport was also inaugurated last
year with an annual capacity of 3 million passengers.

The government is currently building new airports, including a new terminal

at Clark International Airport that is due to open in 2020. In the pipeline are
the Bicol International Airport in Legazpi, and expansion plans for Manila,
Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa and Laguindingan airports.

DOT-attached agencies
Under RA 9593, two organizations were reorganized: the Philippine
Tourism Authority became the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority (TIEZA), and the Philippine Conventions and Visitors Corporation
(PCVC) was replaced with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

TIEZA is the implementing agency and infrastructure arm of the DOT. It

prioritizes the construction of tourism infrastructure projects of national
interest and significance. From 2010 to 2019, TIEZA completed a total of
300 projects (including the Boracay Water Drainage Program Phase II), of
which 15 are ecotourism projects in provinces that need development the
most.

RA 9593 also provided for the establishment of Tourism Enterprise Zones

(TEZ), parcels of land developed into master-planned, integrated tourism
complexes, and designated as such as by the TIEZA Board.
Vital components of TEZs are infrastructure utilities, tourism-sector
enterprises such as accommodation, MICE, theme park and other leisure
facilities.

TPB, on the other hand, is DOT’s marketing arm. TPB’s milestones for the
last decade include successfully marketing and promoting to strategic key
markets that contributed 85% to 90% of the total international visitor
arrivals to the Philippines in partnership with private and public
stakeholders. It has hosted a total of 4,374 international travel trade and
media practitioners to participate in invitational programs or familiarization
trips from 2015 to 2018 and 1,279 foreign buyers from 2011 to 2018 during
the Philippine Travel Exchange.

The Intramuros Administration (IA) is DOT’s arm responsible for the

restoration and development of the historic walled city of Intramuros. IA is
positioning itself to be known as the country’s creative urban heritage
district. The Maestranza Wall will be transformed into the Philippines’ first
creative hub focused on design excellence and a platform for job creation.

Other attached agencies of DOT include the Duty Free Philippines

Corporation, National Parks Development Committee, Philippine
Retirement Authority, Nayong Pilipino, and the Philippine Commission on
Sports Scuba Diving.

Together with the private sector

The private sector continues to play a large part in developing the
Philippine Tourism Industry. As part of RA 9593, the Tourism Congress of
the Philippines (TCP) was established to give the private sector a role in
the crafting of tourism policy in partnership with DOT and its attached
agencies.

“Whereas prior to RA 9593, the private sector was somewhat of a passive

partner, the creation of the TCP gave increased importance and
responsibility to the stakeholders as far as how the tourism industry should
proceed,” said current TCP President Jose Clemente III.

A celebration of the tourism decade

Marking the 10th anniversary, DOT will launch a year-long campaign titled
“The Tourism Decade: Celebrating the Rise of the Philippine Travel Industry
with the Tourism Act of 2009.” It narrates how RA 9593 has significantly
improved the lives of thousands of individuals and communities. Through
the stories of the people from the tourism sector, those who dedicated their
lives to making meaningful and memorable experience for visitors, the
public is able to affirm the transformative power of the tourism industry.

“We celebrate the Tourism Act of 2009 to look back at how the tourism
sector was able to transform lives and communities for the past decade."

"However, it is also a driving force, our motivation to work harder knowing

that tourism has the power to propel the nation and its people toward
growth and prosperity,” DOT Secretary Puyat concluded.

Read more at https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/travel-and-

tourism/2019/05/18/1918682/more-fun-everyone-philippine-tourism-industry-
grown-filipinos-filipinos#wOWPwJ1Dp0HiwXSr.99

Industry Snapshot

Visitors to the country’s key tourist destinations rose 5.37% to 3.65 million in the five months to
May from the same period in 2009, as per Department of Tourism report. Foreign tourists
increased 12.81%, while domestic tourists grew by a slower 2.12%.

The East Asian market, composed of China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, is the
major source of tourists, accounting for 41.78% of total visitors.

The industry’s performance in the first five months of years 2009 and 2010, respectively, is
shown below:

Eco-Tourism in Region 02
Region 02 possesses a wealth of ecological and cultural attractions including pristine white
sandy beaches, extensive caves, diverse marine life, forests and wetlands and heritage sites.
These natural resources support a range of potential Eco-tourism products and facilities to
include national parks, beach resorts, scuba diving, mountaineering, trekking and festivals.
Out of the so many identified eco-tourism sites in the Philippines, there are thirty two (32)
notable sites and destinations which are really being visited by both local and foreign
tourists. Out of these main destinations, two (2) are located in Region 02.
 These are the Batanes Group of Islands and the Penablanca Protected Landscape where the
famous Callao Caves are located.

Batanes Group of Islands

Located at the northern most part of the country, Batanes Islands is a fabled land of stunning
landscapes. It is a rugged, rocky home to the friendly Ivatans lying some 180 kilometers north
of the Luzon mainland.

Activities offered by this site are:

a. Trekking/Mountaineering
b. Wildlife Watching
c. Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
d. Caving
e. Surfing
f. Island Hopping

Peñablanca Protected Landscape

Located in the municipality of Penablanca, Cagayan, the Penablanca Protected Landscape is
known for its countless caves and lush, fertile land. It is verdant junction to some of the region's
greatest landscape - the Cordillera and Sierra Madre Mountains lie on its western and eastern
borders, providing for some perfect setting for some truly intense eco-adventures.
This site offers a variety of activities that eco-tourists can venture into, like:
a. Trekking/Mountaineering
b. Wildlife Watching
c. Caving
d. Kayaking / Rafting
e. Photography
Other identified and potential eco-tourism destinations are located in various sites in the region
like, the watershed areas of the provinces of Cagayan, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya where white
river rafting, mountaineering and trekking are also the potential attractions. Also notable is the
potential of the Sierra Madre Protected Landscape for eco-tourism activities.
The Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Free Port in Sta. Ana, Cagayan integrates Eco-
Tourism Development as one among the components of its development plan.

Market Opportunities
The Cagayan Valley Investment Promotion Plan 2010-2012 specifically features the following
top investment priority areas on eco-tourism:
 Development of Eco-Cultural and Historical Tourism – in the Cagayan Economic Zone
Authority area, and in all provinces of Region 02. This is also the One Town One Product
(OTOP) focus of the municipalities of Calayan, Claveria, Sta. Ana, Lallo and Piat in the province
of Cagayan.
 Establishment of an Eco-tourism Zone in Santiago City
 The Batanes Ecological-Cultural Tourism Industry (BECTI) Development in Batanes
Province
 The Callao Caves Resort Development in Penablanca, Cagayan
 Seaside Resorts Development in coastal municipalities of Cagayan Province
 In the province of Isabela, the following are identified potential sites for eco-tourism
development:
♦ Magat Dam Complex and Waterworld Resort
♦ Butterfly Gardens
 ♦ Punta Amelita Resort
♦ Sta. Victoria Caves
♦ Crocodile Farm
♦ Agro-ecological destinations
♦ Balintukatok
♦ Dancing Dolphins and Eagle Sighting
♦ Honeymoon Island / Flying Fox
♦ Bird Watching
♦ Belfry Tower-Saint Mathias Church
♦ Miraculous Guibang Shrine
♦ Captivity Memorial Shrine of Gen. Aguinaldo
 The province of Nueva Vizcaya has the following priority support industries:
♦ Eco-Tourism Destination Development
♦ Tourism Estates Development
♦ Tourist accommodation and facilities
♦ Tourist transport facilities
♦ Convention/Training Centers
♦ Historico-Cultural Heritage Sites Development

 Quirino Province also identifies the following investment areas:

♦ Recreation Amenities
♦ Travel/Tour Agency
♦ Pasalubong Centers/Souvenir Shop
♦ Sports and Amusement Center

Competitive Edge
 Capacity
a. Many potential Eco-tourist sites scattered all over the region

 Human Resources
a. Presence of trainable manpower
b. Presence of schools offering tourism-related courses
c. Highly literate manpower

 Infrastructure
a. The presence of hotels, accommodation facilities and restaurants and other food
service establishments that cater to tourists.
b. Transportation facilities are readily available to and from the identified sites and
destinations.
c. Communication networks are readily available.

 Technologies and Strategies

a. Availability of training programs and institutions offering:
♦ Entrepreneurship
♦ Tour Guiding
♦ Good Customer Relations
♦ Food Processing

Government Support
Enabling Laws and Government Support Programs:
 Republic Act No. 9593 ( Tourism Act of 2009) and its IRR
 One Town One Product (OTOP) Program
 Investment Priorities Plan of 2009 and 2010
 Cagayan Valley Investment Promotion Plan 2010-2012
 Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Free Port Development Plan

https://www.region2.dti.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/26-the-eco-tourism-industry-in-region-02

Region 2's tourist arrivals up

by 10% in 2018
By Oliver T. BaccayPublished on February 13, 2019


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 Google Plus

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- The tourist arrivals in the Cagayan
Valley Region has increased by at least 10 percent in 2018, said regional director
Virgilio Maguigad of the Department of Tourism.

According to Maguigad, DOT region 2 registered a total of 1.17 million tourist

arrivals last year with 904,198 domestic and 270,523 foreign visitors.

Callao Caves, the flagship tourist

destination in Cagayan Valley region. (Photo by DOT)
Maguigad said the gross receipts from visitor spending has reached P8.4 billion
which gained an increase of 10.3 percent from the P7.6 billion recorded in 2017.
“The data were collected from the different accommodation establishments and
tourism attraction sites within the region,” Maguigad said.

He said visitors from China topped the list of the region’s foreign markets with
252,400 followed by USA with 2,374, Indonesia with 1,558 and Bangladesh with
1,449.

Other recorded foreign tourists were from Canada, Korea, Myanmar, Hongkong,
Australia and Japan.

Maguigad attributed the increase in tourist arrivals to the improved market access,
connectivity and destination infrastructure mostly funded under the DOT-DPWH
convergence project.

Palaui Island, one of the most visited

tourist spots of Cagayan province. (Photo by PIA)
“Our new tourism brand, which is "Cagayan Valley and Northern Philippine Islands,
Your Island and Valley of Fun" also contributed to the high market visibility,” the
regional director said.

He added that the continuous involvement of tourism stakeholders and local

government units in the development, enhancement and marketing of wide range
tourism products also enable visitors to stay longer and promote further the tourism
sites of the region.

"Most of the region's tourism products that were developed and enhanced include
eco-tourism, agri-farm tourism, sports and adventure tourism, and cultural tourism,"
Maguigad said. (ALM/OTB/PIA-Cagayan)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1018371

Glories of the Past

Cagayan Valley has a distinct history. Long before the coming of the Spaniards into the
valley, fishing villages existed on the banks and at the mouths of the rivers and creeks
flowing into the sea. The Spaniards found natives inhabiting the narrow coastal plains in
Northern Luzon and flood plains of the Cagayan River – the Ibanags.
 Ibanags

They named that way because they lived on the banks of the bannag, a native word for
river. They were of the sturdy Indonesian type with a culture of their own. They
maintained commercial intercourse with China, Japan and other neighboring countries.
The early Ibanags kept their writings on barks of trees and bamboo, depicting the
heroic deeds of their chiefs. These tales were used as songs by bards during victories in
wars, on weddings and other important events and were therefore handed down from
generation to generation like the famous epic of Biuag and Malana, chief of Malaueg
(Rizal) and Maquilat (Cabagan Viejo).
When Don Juan de Salcedo explored Northern Luzon in 1567 he landed his forces at a
place now called Mission, in the Municipality of Buguey located near what is believed to
be the original mouth of the Rio Grande de Cagayan. In the course of centuries, the
Cagayan River gradually straightened its meandering course by leaving a Rio Muerto or
lagoon south of Buguey. The lagoon, believed to be the original mouth of the Cagayan
River, measures about sixteen kilometers long and roughly one kilometer wide.
It was however, in 1581 that the Spaniards headed by Captain Juan Pablo Carreon with
his soldiers and their families settled in the region. Thereafter, Spanish missionaries
gradually penetrated deeper into the valley, teaching and converting the natives. Lalloc
was named Nueva Segovia by Juan Pablo Carreon in 1581 and was visited by Juan
Salcedo in 1572 and Luis Perez Dasmariñas in 1592. The Parish Church of Lallo was
constructed under the direction and supervision of the Dominican Friars in 1588. Lalloc
was the seat of Nueva Segovia created by Pope Clement VIII on August 14, 1595 and
continued to be so up to 1755 when it was transferred to Vigan.
Lallo was the capital of Cagayan Province from 1581-1839 when the Provincial
Government was moved to the town of Tuguegarao which was made capital of Cagayan
up to the present. The first Revolutionary Government was headed by Gov. Vicente
Nepomuceno, appointive Governor in 1898. On April 10, 1910 Pope Leo XII proclaimed
Tuguegarao as a Diocese.
Later, the Americans improved the educational and political system and introduced
improvements in infrastructure. Today, Cagayan Valley Region is one of the more
progressive regions in the country.
Geography
The Region is located on the northeastern part of mainland Luzon, covering an area of
about 26,858.79 square kilometers. It has rugged terrain along its boundaries, with the
Pacific Ocean bounding it on the east, the Bashi Channel on the north, the provinces of
Nueva Ecija on the south, Quezon on the south east and the Cordillera in the west.
Dialects
Major dialects spoken are Ilocano, Ybanag, Ytawes and Filipino. In Batanes, the people
speak Ivatan. English is generally understood and spoken regionwide.
Industries
Major industries are agriculture with rice and corn as main crops, livestock production of
cattle, hog, carabaos and poultry, furniture making of rattan and other indigenous
materials, fishing especially along the coast of Cagayan, Isabela and Batanes and Magat
Dam in Isabela and also exportation of fruits, fruit preserves and vegetables.
Transportation Facilities
Transportation facilities in the region are available at all times. There are about 15
transportation companies that ply the Tuguegarao-Manila route and vice-versa.
Inter-regional transport is also readily available and runs the extensive road network of
the region along the national highway and into the municipal roads to interior towns.
Water transport facilities include cargo ships that dock in Aparri, and inter-island ship
that dock at Port Irene in Sta. Ana and Claveria in Cagayan.
In Batanes, there is an acute shortage of inter-island transport from Batan to Itbayat
and while Sabtang Island has a regular ferry that leaves from San Vicente Port in Ivana
at 7 o'clock in the morning daily. In Sabtang Island, boats are available for Ivuhos
Island trip at about P300.00 one way from Barangay Nakanmuan or Savidug. Chartered
flight to Itbayat is available at P700.00 per person one way. There are about eighty
registered passenger jeepneys and tricycles for public use in Batan Island. Other
vehicles are owned by the government and some privately owned motorcycles. A cargo
ship from Manila visits the island of Batanes once a month.
There are four domestic airports servicing the region- Tuguegarao City Domestic
Airport, Cauayan City Domestic Airport, Basco Domestic Airport in Batanes while
Bagabag Airport in Nueva Vizcaya services charter planes. Smaller airports/airstrips
served by charter services are in Palanan and Maconacon, both are coastal towns of
Isabela.
Communication Facilities
Government and private communication facilities are found all over the valley. Direct
dialing and wireless cellular phones are also available. Smart Company operates in
Batanes while Globe Company is still expanding its operation. Internet service providers
are available in urban centers.
Gallery

Photo by bingbing of flickr.com

Photo by Pinoy22md

Photo from isabela.ph

Basco Lighthouse Anguib Beach

Palanan-Dibinisa Beach

Photo from wikipedia.org

Photo by JmKissme

Buntun Bridge Palanan -

Aguinaldo Shrine

1 million tourist arrivals in

Cagayan Valley in 2017- DOT
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- The Department of Tourism (DOT) in
the Cagayan Valley Region recorded more than one million tourist
arrivals in 2017, a whopping 20% increase from the 2016 data.

According to DOT regional director Virgilio Maguigad, the figure came

from the collective reports submitted by various local government
units (LGUS) regionwide to the agency.
Maguigad said Sta. Ana town in Cagayan maintained its spot as the
region’s most visited destination as it drew more than 281,000 tourist
arrivals in 2017 followed by Santiago City in Isabela with more than
167,000 arrivals.

He added that Batanes province remained as the region’s premium

ecotourism destination as it welcomed tourists twice of its population
at 31,000 arrivals.

“The recorded total number of visitors and tourists registered an

estimated total of P7.6 billion in tourist spending, a significant figure to
add up to the local economy,” the regional director said.

Maguigad urged other LGUs and tourism organizations in the region to

strive further in promoting their tourist attractions to increase their
local and international tourist arrivals this year. Oliver
Baccay/PIA/Northernforum.net

http://northernforum.net/1-million-tourist-arrivals-in-cagayan-valley-in-2017-dot/

The Cagayan Valley region is still

untouched.
Come and see it that way!
Cagayan Valley is the second region and the most northerly you can travel within the
Philippines. It includes the wind swept islands that reach almost to within 200 kms of
Taiwan.

Cagayan Valley lends itself to a facination not normally found, mainly due to the lack of
transportation and facilities to accommodate tourists. A growing number of committed
tourists are discovering what the Cagayan Valley has to offer.

You will be surprised!

Cagayan Valley is composed of five provinces.

1. Batanes
2. Cagayan

3. Isabela

4. Nueva Vizcaya

5. Quirino

The Cagayan Valley is jammed between the Pacific Ocean to the north and east and the
Cordillrea Mountain Range to the west. It is the fourth largest region in the Philippines.
Cagayan Valley also boasts the largest and longest river in the Philippines, with a drainage
area of approximately 27,000 square km.

Batanes

Batanes are the island group to the north of Luzon. They are rugged islands which are
divide the South China Sea and the rolling Pacific Ocean, when the seas are rough, look out!

Batanes has been earmarked as a possible gatesway to Eastern China., It is one of the few
provinces that enjoy four relativley distinct seasons.

Tourism and development is a long way off, but if your a hardy adventurer, why not have a
look.

Cagayan

Cagayan Province is the ecotourism centre of the Cagayan Valley Region. Where you take
expeditions trekking and caving into the untouched mountains or take a gamefishing trip
and try your luck at catching the elusive monster from the depths.
Getting here from Manila byroad is a journey in itself. A ten hour road trip is not everyones
idea of good fun, but for the adventurous with time on there hands the road trip can be the
adventure! For those who are short of time a one hour plane trip should suit.

Isabela

Isabela province on the east coast of Luzon is yet to see tourism flourish. Development id
still in its infancy, the infrastructure is yet to be fully established, however the potential to
develop the stunning coastal areas, is enormous.

Isabela is known as the rice granary of the north. With terracesin full production casting a
green glow through the steppes.

Isabela has been gifted with an incredibly rugged and heavily forested Sierra Madre
Mountain Range. A large slice of the range is yet to be fully explored. The mountains close
to the Cordillera ranges rise to as high as 8,000 feet and harbours a low altitude rainforest,
one of few low altitude reainforests in the world. The wildlife is particularly unique and yet
to be fully understood, it is said that there is flora and fauna in the rainforest waiting to be
discovered.

Nueva Vizcaya

Nueva Vizcaya is only about 270 km north of Manila. it is building a reputation as the next
best thing for outdoor and environmental enthusiasts.

Nueva Vizcaya is the gateway expoling the Cagayan Valley.

Nueva Vizcaya has a much cooler climate than other regions in Luzon, mainly because of its
mountainous geography and surounds.

Nueva Vizcaya is an agricultural province and is yet to see tourism of any sort.

Quirino

Quirino use to be part of Nueva Vizcaya, it was described as the forest region, but is now
the forest province. Quirino is surrounded by lush impenetrable mountains. In fact 80% of
its land area is dominated by mountains, these mountains provide a natural barrier for visits
to Quirino.

http://www.philippines-travel-guide.com/cagayan-valley.html
 Ecozone is Cagayan
Valley’s economic
propeller
posted January 22, 2017 at 12:01 am by Brenda Jocson
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TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan—Despite difficult challenges in the world of

business, the government-sanctioned Cagayan Economic Zone Authority has
become the top economic driver of the Cagayan Valley region after 10 years of
operation.
This is a result of the establishment in CEZA of international standard tourism,
leisure and recreation, as well as information and communication technology-
business process management or IT-BPM, ecozone officials said.
CEZA public relations head Marie Joyce Jayme-Calimag said significant and
successful accomplishments of the economic zone and freeport in 10 years of
operation contributed to the region’s fast-growing economy.
The tourism industry in Cagayan is booming after the massive promotion of its
beautiful islands and white sand beaches, particularly in Sta. Ana town on the
northeasternmost point of Luzon.
“The Palaui Island here, for example, is ranked 10th among the 100 best islands in
the world, and is one of the three best islands in the Philippines by ‘CNN Travel
Blog,’” Calimag said.
The ecozone has been hosting annual water sports activities like jet skiing,
snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, and game fishing, particularly in Palaui Island
and the beaches of Anguib, Gotan, Nangaramoan, and Pozzorobo all in Sta. Ana.
Big and small private tour operators are mushrooming in the hotel and restaurant
industry, which contribute much to the development of CEZA, Calimag added.
The increasing tourist arrivals in the area is a result of the recent “Survivor America”
television reality show filed on the island.
In 2016, the Cagayan Freeport exceeded its target of 200,000 tourist arrivals, a
significant increase from only 4,604 in 2007, both local and international tourists.
The economic zone is now also tagged as Game Fishing Capital of the Philippines,
Calimag said.
Cagayan Valley also has the facilities and manpower resources that can
accommodate small and medium business process outsourcing companies with its
IT-BPM facilities at the ecozone.
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While the country maintains its position as the first location for voice and second for
non-voice services, the establishment of a “cyber park” in the ecozone is going to be
one of the top 10 best in the world, she said.
The ecozone’s telecommunications network “now boasts to be one of the best in
Asia in terms of latency and capacity, and this is backed up by Cagayan province’s
reputable schools and universities that groom the pool of labor for flourishing
industries, like the IT-BPM, in the freeport,” Calimag said.
Apart from converting the economic zone into the technohub center of the
Philippines, she said CEZA is “also aiming to make it the gateway to Northern
Luzon’s tourism frontier.”
These developments also make CEZA a major job generator in Cagayan Valley, with
more than 12,000 individuals employed in various sectors within the economic zone.
In addition, the new P1.7-billion Cagayan North International Airport in Lallo town
contributes much to the economy of Region 2, particularly in job generation.
Last year, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines granted a new certificate to
the CNIA, allowing it to cater to bigger commercial aircraft under the Global Express
Aircraft Category and below with Code 3C. With it, the airport can now cater to 100-
seater and below aircraft.
“We can now invite bigger aircraft operators to operate in the Airport, which means
more employment. That is why we have been aggressive in inviting investors to
locate at the ecozone,” Calimag said.
CEZA was created through Republic Act 7922 as a government-owned and
controlled corporation under the Office of the President to manage and supervise
the development of the economic zone and freeport.
Covered by CEZA under its charter are Santa Ana and the islands of Fuga, Barit and
Mabbag in the municipality of Aparri have approximately 54,118 hectares of urban,
suburban and agro-industrial lands for prime development, all lying along the West
Philippine Sea-Pacific Ocean coast.

http://manilastandard.net/news/-provinces/227353/ecozone-is-cagayan-valley-s-economic-
propeller.html