BCDA targets companies engaged in ecotourism
NCC is already home to the 4.5-hectare River Park, which features a 1.4-kilometer walkway along the Cutcut River
Ecotourism will play a significant role in delivering sustainable opportunities in Central Luzon. In particular, it has been included in the development plan of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) as the agency lures local and foreign investors to infuse investments into the space.
The BCDA offers the NCC (NCC), with 9,450-hectare greenfield development lots.
“BCDA is always open to tourism investments in NCC. Given its strategic location, rich biodiversity, and vast open spaces, it is the perfect place for ecotheme parks and ecotourism projects,” BCDA senior vice president for Conversion and Development Joshua Bingcang said during the recent Central Luzon Tourism Investment Summit and Business Exchange.
He also underlined NCC’s potential as
Luzon’s next choice tourist destination.
The summit was attended by 36 investors and agencies from the Philippines, Singapore, China, Japan and South Korea.
Further, Bingcang added that BCDA continuously looks for partners to increase NCC’s mixed-use, retail, and food and beverage establishments.
In line with the vision to make NCC the country’s next green, sustainable, and smart urban center, BCDA’s master plan proposes that only 40 percent of the total land area will be built on, leaving 60 percent for forests, open spaces, and parks, making NCC the suitable hot spot for ecotourism and outdoor recreational facilities.
NCC is already home to the 4.5-hectare River Park, which features a 1.4-kilometer walkway along the Cutcut River. There are also plans to develop the 44.8-hectare Central Park at the heart of the city, which will be one of the largest public parks in the country once completed.
During his presentation, Bingcang cited the qualities that make NCC a promising tourist and investment haven in the region.
He said NCC’s strategic location, high elevation, and disaster-resilient features help ensure its resiliency against natural calamities, such as typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
Going to NCC will not be a problem for future investors, as it has a network of infrastructure projects already existing or in the pipeline to make it a globally competitive destination.
This includes the Clark International Airport and its new passenger terminal, which became operational on 2 May. The world-class gateway is expected to boost tourism arrivals in Central Luzon with state-of-the-art facilities, contactless features, and inclusive amenities.
The rising metropolis will also become more accessible upon completing the North-South Commuter Railway.