Local tourist spots endorsed, for looong holidays!

In view of the long-weekends declared by Malacañang for the year 2010, the Department of Tourism is urging the public to spend their holidays in the country and help contribute to the growth of the local economy, a government press release said.

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

Aside from the country’s eight anchor spots – Boracay, Palawan, Davao, Cebu, Bohol, Vigan, Baguio, and Manila -- the department is also actively promoting 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, the tourism chief added.

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

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 the 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, nighttime entertainment and theme park activities, we have huge theater performances and concerts lined up for the year,” said DOT Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr.

The DOT's head of 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 cyclotourism 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.

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

The DOT reminds the public to book early. “It’s ideal to plan ahead, and avail of value-for-money packages offered by hotels, restaurants, malls, theme parks, and entertainment venues,” Durano said.

The department said Malacañang has declared a set of long weekends for 2010 by moving regular and special holidays to the nearest Monday or Friday of the week as provided for in Republic Act No. 9492 and Proclamation No. 1841, the press release said.*

SOURCE

COMMENT:
It is so much better to spend the holidays in the country side. Not only is it cheaper, but one could also spend healthier holidays, away from all pollution in the cities.

Filipinos and foreigners alike must visit the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Samar. I've been there and it was one of my most unforgettable visits in the country side of Samar. It is just less than an hour ride from Tacloban City.