Batanes tours criticized

BASCO, Batanes — The new local tours here made possible by the newly launched direct flights from Kaoshiung City in Southern Taiwan was criticized last week by its proponent.

In a strongly worded letter, Emby Wu, owner of the New Place Travel & Express Inc., confided to Gov. Vicente Gato his observations on the five-day stay here of the first group of tourists from Taiwan.

First, Wu objected to the collection of P100 as tourist fee at the airport.

Tourists, according to Wu, are asked to pay another tourist fee of P100 at the island-municipality of Sabtang. In Mahatao town, tourists have to pay another P200 for every visit to any one of their 18 cultural and historical sites.

"Why can’t we synchronize this and make it more reasonable?" Wu said.

Wu also complained about the cost of food and accommodation. He asked the governor’s help in keeping food prices and lodging cheaper.

The Taiwanese enterpreneur also informed the governor that a Customs personnel assigned at the airport demanded P15,000, from him, which he obliged.

The Taiwan delegation also found the P560 terminal fee per person too costly. "Compared to other airports, the amount collected here might actually scare other tourists," Wu said.

Wu also reported to Gato the arrogance of some local officials when one of the visitors was arrested for fishing in this town’s marine sanctuary.

It is not known when the next trip to Taiwan will push through as the flights scheduled on Aug. 4 and Aug. 7 were cancelled.