Local tourists urged to spend long weekend holidays in RP

CEBU, Philippines - While the domestic tourism has saved the country’s entire tourism industry from experiencing the worst in 2009 due to the global economic turmoil, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is once again calling on Filipinos to further spend their money here as several long-weekend holidays have been declared for 2010.

“Spending your vacation here is a great pledge to love your own and do your part in boosting our country’s growth,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.

Durano made emphasis on other tourism sites in the Philippines that have strong tourism value, aside from country’s eight anchor spots, such as Boracay, Palawan, Davao, Cebu, Bohol, Vigan, Baguio, and Manila.

DOT is now strongly promoting the unexplored sites to benefit the communities in remote areas.

“We enjoin people to visit tucked-away destinations as well for economic gains to trickle down to the grassroots level,” Durano said.

These alternative spots are readily available and highly accessible for tourists who prefer to immerse themselves with the local life, enjoy the flavor of home-grown leisure, and stay in accommodations such as homestays and inns, added the tourism chief.

Already, the DOT has launched some alternative sites like the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Leyte and the Danao Adventure Park in Bohol.

“While beaches of Boracay and Palawan are still top-drawers, Camiguin, Leyte, Mindoro, Occidental and Oriental Negros, Siquijor, Quezon also have pristine waters and stunning coastlines,” he stressed.

Nature-lovers may head off to Bataan, Batanes, Benguet, Bulacan, Cavite, Marinduque, and Romblon, while heritage hunters may seek the old historical charm of Bacolod and Iloilo, aside from Ilocos.

Tourists who plan to troop to the cities of Manila, Makati, Cebu and Davao have a range of options laid out for them.

“On top of shopping, food trips, night-time entertainment and theme park activities, we have huge theater performances and concerts lined up for the year,” said DOT Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr.

Jarque who heads planning and promotions, also noted the travel trends that the public should look out for. 

“Extreme outdoor activities are big this year. The range is more expansive now, with tourists who are open-minded and raring to experience something new,” Jarque said.

The department has been relentlessly supporting adventure activities such as plunges, zipline rides, wakeboarding, skimboarding, kayaking and cylotourism among others.

The young-at-heart on the other hand may try other activities, as the country caters to a broad spectrum of different preferences of travelers.  

“A beach lover can enjoy a relaxing spa retreat in Palawan, a festive party in Boracay, or a surfing-break in La Union. Our islands offer a unique plethora of things to do for all kinds of tourists,” continued Jarque.

Spiritual pilgrimages, cultural festivities and colorful ethnic celebrations are some other highlights that tourists may also wish to join.

“It’s ideal to plan ahead, and avail of value-for-money packages offered by hotels, restaurants, malls, theme parks, and entertainment venues,” Durano concluded.