New Destinations in the Philippines

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) have unveiled a list of “Top Emerging Destinations for 2010”, according to a report by Manila Bulletin.  Among the criteria used in the preparation of the list are good accessibility, communication network, availability of meeting facilities and standard accommodations.

Listed as emerging destinations are Laoag and Dagupan (Region I) for their heritage sites and beaches;  La Trinidad Valley (Cordillera) for its magnificent strawberry fields, vegetable terraces, and  cut flowers industry;  Zambales (Central Luzon) which is a multifaceted destination for beach holidays, mango agri-tourism, and sports adventure activities;  San Juan, Batangas (Region IV-A)  that boasts of endless beautiful beaches and stylised type of resorts; Marinduque (Region IV-B)  with its world class resort and rich cultural traditions; Sorsogon of Bicol ( Region V) which is synonymous to eco-tourism activities like interaction with friendly whale sharks and firefly tours.

In the Visayas, Silay City (Region VI) was listed for its preserved ancestral houses and rich culinary heritage and a newly constructed world class airport; Danao in Bohol (Region VII) as the new eco-adventure mecca complemented by nearby white sand beaches and the natural wonders of the “Chocolate Hills”, and the world’s smallest primate, the tarsier; the island destinations of Northern Samar (Region VIII) with its pristine beach areas, rich flora and fauna, and iconic natural land formation.
In Mindanao, the Island Garden City of Samal (Region XI) was identified for its paradise-like coves and beaches, eco-adventure sites and activities; Cagayan De Oro ( Region X) for city based-adventure  activities; Butuan  City (Region XIII) of Caraga as the historical mecca of the Philippines with good access to Agusan marshlands and the surfing capital Siargao;  Sarangani  (Region XII) for its beautiful coastlines, diverse cultural  heritage and aqua tourism activities; Dapitan City (Region IX) in Zamboanga del Norte for its historical treasures.

“Identifying these top business destinations goes alongside DoT’s vision of developing a product-centred industry. We aim to use our funds in improving established as well as undiscovered products that will surely speak for themselves when it comes to tourism promotion,” said Tourism Planning and Promotions Undersecretary Vicente Romano III.