RP pushed as birding destination

MANILA, Philippines - Following the successful international launch of the Philippines’ Birdwatching campaign in London late last year, a 12-man birdwatching group visited the country’s birding spots to affirm their viability as birdwatching destinations.

Led by Tim Appleton, Birdfair co-organizer and reserve manager of the Rutland Water Nature Reserve, the group was composed of bird tour operators, media members, photographers and bird sound recordists from the United Kingdom (UK).

“This comprehensive trip to world-class birding sites will allow them to gain first-hand experience of the country’s wildlife and raw wetlands. This exercise is meant to convince industry leaders in the UK so they in turn can vouch for the Philippines as a fantastic destination for their leisure or serious birding activities,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said. 

Birdwatching is the latest tourism product launched by the Philippines and is expected to boost arrivals by drawing new sets of tourists to visit the country.

The exposure trip included spots such as Candaba Swamp Wildlife Reserve in Pampanga, Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales, Olango Island, Sumilon Island and Alcoy Forest in Cebu, Palawan Wildlife and Conservation Center, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Central Park Station and Lion’s Cave in Palawan. 

Eight participants from the group extended their trip to see the Philippine Eagle in Mt. Kitanglad, while wildlife photographers David Tipling and Alex Robinson explored Bohol, Laoag and Vigan to see other facets of the country.

“We enjoin our partner stakeholders to support one of our biggest revenue generators. Tapping the high-spending European markets, birdwatching is indeed expected to shore up our arrivals,” added Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr.

Appleton said “the Philippines’ rating is high in terms of its number of rare bird species. We also encourage these birding sites to develop more ecolodges, feeding stations, birdbaths, and viewing towers.”

“Our marketing efforts are made simple by the fact that the Philippines truly owns a wealth of nature and wildlife that the British will pay good money to see and experience. It is a country that we truly can be proud of,” said tourism attaché Domingo Ramon Enerio III, who co-organized the trip.

Apart from birdwatching, the Philippines is also known to the world for its abundant natural beauty with a wide range of flawless white sand beaches, crystal clear and warm waters, world class dive sites, magnificent and mystical mountains, great shopping variety and warm and hospitable people with a ready smile for all its guests.