Welcoming tourists in Central Luzon
For the record, Central Luzon has garnered an estimated 2.6 million domestic tourist arrivals as of the 3rd quarter of last year and 197,837 for foreign visitors. This means that we were frequented by tourists and that we have several reasons why so.
Central Luzon or Region 3, which comprises the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales is strategically located next to Metro Manila going to northern Philippines. It sits on a contiguous land area which means that any traveler can reach his destination in the region through land travel.
Tourists’destinations in the region are very accessible and tourists need not ride boats or airplanes to reach them unlike in other places in the country. Transportation and accessibility are one of the important things to consider by tourists.
While there are isolated cases of street crimes, Central Luzon is a peaceful region where the peace and order situation is properly monitored and addressed by law enforcement agencies. Insurgency is a thing of the past.
There are thousands of business establishments in the region which gives meaning that peace and order is not elusive and that it is conducive too for business tourism. The flourishing number of business enterprises also means that there are consumers, tourists included, who patronize local commerce.
Central Luzon’s topography is diverse and can offer different tourism activities for visitors regardless of their definitions of tourist spots. The region has several mountain ranges, several coastal areas including wonderful beaches, several forested spots for nature lovers, several heritage places, several malls for goers and a great number of other places of interest. The food in different provinces in the region is also great. Pampanga would not be called the culinary capital of the Philippines if not for its delectable cuisines.
The number of tourist arrivals in Central Luzon was recognized recently by the Department of Tourism. This means, aside from the great number of tourist spots in the region, we are likewise good marketers of these and hospitable to welcome tourists foreign and local alike.
In addition, tourism establishments are adept at maintaining and up-keeping their facilities to attract tourists. The former considers not only earnings from tourists but also to maintain the quality of their stays.
Tourism is an under-rated economic-generating activity. If government authorities can further improve tourism in other parts of the country, there will be other sources of revenues for the government. Tourism activities generate taxes and the government can capitalize on these tourists’destinations for income for public coffers.
***
For any comments, suggestions or opinions, text or call The Advocate at 0921-3636360 or send email at dencious@gmail.com.