CDC notes high tourist arrivals in February

MANILA, Philippines - The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) has noted a huge influx of tourists at the freeport this month.

In a report to CDC president Arthur P. Tugade, Tourism and Promotions manager Noemi Garcia said thousands of local and foreign tourists visited the freeport starting from Feb. 20.

“High occupancy rate of hotels is an offshoot of the two international events  held in Clark this weekend. Major hotels in the freeport are almost fully booked,” she said.

Garcia said Holiday Inn occupancy is about 90 to 95 percent.  Widus Hotel and Resort informed CDC that is about 94 percent full while Montevista Villas inside Mimosa Leisure Estate is at 95 percent. Hotel Stotsenberg and Casino occupancy is 80 percent.

High occupancy rate in and around Clark usually takes place every February during the annual staging of Philippine International Hot-air Balloon Festival.

Other major hotels in Clark and in Angeles City have yet to submit their occupancy rate at the Department of Tourism, but reports indicate that hotels are also deriving benefits from the two international events.

Garcia said that while data from hotels located outside Clark City are still being awaited, several restaurants outside the Freeport have also joined the bandwagon by offering special or discounted rates for ticket holders of the two international events.

The first ever International Music Festival (Woodstock-style) performed by world-renowned artists was held Feb. 22 to 23 at the Global Gateway Logistics Corp. (GGLC) grounds in Clark.

The music fest was organized by 7107 Production Group in cooperation with CDC and GGLC and some 35,000 to 70,000 are expected to witness the international music fest.

The Clark International Motor Show (CIMS) 2014, on the other hand, was held at the CDC Parade Grounds and Clark International Speedway from Feb. 20 to 23.

The CIMS featured The Extreme Auto Fashion where different cars with amazing features and details will compete, including the holding of Miss CIMS Bikini Open.

During the motor show, CIMS held the 2nd Leg Northern Series of the Philippine Drag Racing Championship and Circuit Shakedown at the Clark Speedway.