Boom in nature-based tourism seen under new normal

By Joyce Ann L. Recamora

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan (Photo: City government of Puerto Princesa)

MANILA – As tourism gradually reopens, the demand for nature-based tourism is likely to increase as people look for safer alternatives in selecting destinations to visit, Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said Thursday.

This said, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is ramping up its efforts to develop new tourism products that would cater to the travelers' preferences amid the pandemic.

"We're working on product development kasi kailangan mag-develop tayo ng mga bagong produkto na angkop sa requirements ng mga travelers under the new normal kasi makikita natin na there is a greater preference for lower density, high-value, mas maraming mga outdoor types of tours (We're working on product development because we need new ones that are fit to the needs of travelers under the new normal. We see that there is a greater preference for lower density, high-value products, majority wants outdoor types of tours)," he said during Thursday’s Laging Handa briefing.

Bengzon is optimistic the Philippines would be able to draw domestic tourists, even foreigners once travel restrictions are eased. He said such preference among travelers could work to the Philippines' advantage given its numerous nature-based assets.

Just recently, the Philippines was recognized as the world's leading dive destination, beating top dive spots such as Azores Islands, Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Galapagos Islands, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Maldives, and Mexico.

Aside from its promising sites underwater, the country also offers idyllic resort islands, including Palawan, Boracay, and Siargao Island, which was recently cited as one of the best 2021 holiday destinations by Condé Nast Traveller.

Bengzon said the DOT is also banking on local travel to drive the industry's recovery. This as he noted that tourism revenues from domestic travel alone reached PHP3.1 trillion in 2019, much higher than inbound which was pegged at PHP548.8 billion in the same year.

"Mga 85 percent of total tourism revenues are from domestic tourism. So we're also confident na mapapabilis ang recovery ng ating industriya kung matutulungan natin itong mga local enterprises natin (Around 85 percent of total tourism revenues in 2019 are from domestic tourism. So we're also confident that we'll be able to fast-track the industry's recovery if we're going to help our local enterprises)," he said.

Months after the first lockdown was imposed, several Philippine destinations started welcoming tourists, but with certain travel requirements such as the "test-before-travel" rule. (PNA)

Be responsible, travelers told amid Bamboo Ecopark vandalism

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora  

 MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday reminded travelers to be responsible tourists after Baguio's Bamboo Ecopark was prompted to temporarily close due to vandalism.

"The DOT appeals to all travelers looking to visit tourism destinations around the country that have already gradually reopened to practice responsible tourism at all times. We condemn the recent vandalism incident in the Bamboo Ecopark in Baguio City, which led to its temporary closure," Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement.

Romulo-Puyat said the DOT will continue to work with local government units and the private stakeholders in intensifying its advocacy for sustainable tourism in the country.

"We wish to remind tourists of the important role they hold in ensuring the survival of the tourism industry amid the pandemic," she added.

The Bamboo Ecopark, located at the St. Francis Xavier Seminary, is a fast becoming popular attraction in Baguio City, famed for its walking paths that could rival Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Edgardo Manda, president of the Philippine Bamboo Foundation, Inc., announced the park's temporary closure due to vandalism on November 9.

"Some visitors do not respect the place and have defaced bamboo culms (or poles) by engraving their names and relieving themselves along the pathway," he said in a Facebook post. (PNA)