Central Luzon sees hefty growth in tourism

With efficient infrastructure support in place, a ranking tourism official in Central Luzon predicted a hefty growth for the tourism industry and called on key players and stakeholders to prepare for the challenges ahead.

Speaking at the recently held vision-sharing workshop organized by the state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Central Luzon tourism director Ronaldo Tiotuico cited the newly opened Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the refurbished Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark and the world-class North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) as “crucial infrastructures” that would strengthen the tourism sector in the region.

Tiotuico described the three facilities as significant “milestones” that would provide viable inter-regional tour packages and efficient links to tourist destinations in the North. According to him, traffic congestions and reckless driving which were usually prevalent along the old routes were a bane for tourism.

“We are now at that point where we can propel Central Luzon as one of the country’s top tourism hubs. The provinces (in the region) feature natural wonders, cultural and historical landmarks, as well as delicious native delicacies. The SCTEX will serve as the visitor’s access to these wonders and more,” Tiotuico said.

He said plans are afoot to respond to rapid growth of the tourism industry, including construction of more leisure and entertainment centers adjacent to popular tourist locations in the provinces.

Tiotuico also batted for the preservation of tourism sites to ensure a continuous influx of visitors.

Tiotuico noted that the Philippines has distinct advantages over its Asian neighbors in terms of language, temperament, hospitality and a positive outlook in life that puts foreign visitors naturally at ease. Tourists coming from South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and other European countries comprise the majority of foreign visitors this year.

The tourism official also pointed out that medical tourism is fast becoming a sunrise industry in Central Luzon, along with telemedicine and business process outsourcing in medical transcription and bills processing.

“The SCTEX is our vital access to these facilities. It is time for us to take full advantage of the SCTEX to generate more employment and investment opportunities for the people in Central Luzon,” Tiotuico told the forum participants.

The 94-km SCTEX is the BCDA’s biggest and most ambitious project to date. The SCTEX is envisioned to transform the area into a super region that would attract investors worldwide through the integration of all economic activities in the Subic Freeport and Special Economic Zone and the Clark Special Economic Zone, and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac.