Emerging Philippine destinations widen range of tourism offerings

PHILIPPINE sellers are broadening their buffet of tourist options in an effort to spread visitors beyond the usual Manila, Cebu and Boracay.

Asian travellers who are not into sun and sea, as well as Europeans whose travel insurance do not cover flying with domestic carriers due to the ongoing European Union ban, have the welcome mat rolled out for them in emerging destinations such as Banaue and Baler on the island of Luzon, which are accessible overland from Manila.

Jeepney Tours is set to launch experiential packages in the international market for Batad town in the highlands of Banaue, which will include living with locals, imbibing their culture and taking part in activities such as farming in the province renowned for its 2,000-year-old rice terraces.

Jeepney Tours managing director, Clang Garcia, said the tours would showcase the Philippines as an agricultural country, and appeal to Europeans and students who were not used to rural life. Programmes can also be tailored for incentive trips.

Ine Faustino, general manager of CCT 168 Tours, also attests to the growing popularity of countryside tours, especially those along the way to Banaue, passing by Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya. “Europeans and balikbayans (returning Filipinos) are not familiar with the local colours like rice planting, harvesting and separating the chaff from the grain, so they like countryside stops very much,” said Faustino.

Other destinations in Luzon in the early stage of emergence are Baler in Quezon province, north-east of Manila, for surfing, as well as Laoag in Ilocos Norte, north of Luzon, for its sand dunes, casino, museums and age-old churches that can be packaged together with the heritage destination of Vigan in Ilocos Sur.

The world’s eyes have also recently fallen on the Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur, or Camsur province, featured location of Survivor US’ 25th season, which premiered a week ago and runs until the end of the year.

While Camsur is still a destination with few international-level resorts, its relatively undiscovered beaches and limestone cliffs are making sellers sit up. It is most commonly accessed from Naga City, and transfers can be arranged to Gota Resort in the heart of the Caramoan. Tourists can also stay in Legaspi, which has stunning resorts like Misibis Bay and the newly-opened Oriental Hotel.

Pat Alberto, president and general manager at Ark Travel Express, said while Caramoan would always be compared to Phuket, it was an entirely different destination. “We need to learn to manage expectations,” he explained.

Additional reporting by: Marianne Carandang

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