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DOT wants Baguio tourism ‘diversified’


As summer comes closer, the Department of Tourism is pushing for diversified tourism products in Baguio City, the nation’s summer capital. While Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said Baguio already attracts many tourists, he stressed it is high time Baguio “reinvent" itself so it can lure in even more tourists. “Baguio already gets a lot of domestic tourism on its own, but it should reinvent itself," Lim said in an article posted on the government portal. He noted Baguio City remains popular among domestic tourists for its climate and accessibility, but pointed out that adding attractions will be key in sustaining the numbers. Lim cited museums like National Artist Ben Cabrera’s BenCab Museum, which he had visited; and other cultural displays as possible new tourist draws. Also, he mentioned wellness and adventure as additional pegs for tourism in Northern Luzon. He likewise committed to assist the local government in refurbishing Burnham Park, beginning with the sprucing up of the Rose Garden. National Parks Development Committee Director Juliet Villegas was also on hand during the festival to discuss the matter with local officials. “Burnham Park is an icon, and that is where we pledge to help Baguio," noted Lim. Meanwhile, Lim said the DOT’s soon-to-be-launched “Pilipinas, Tara Na!" domestic tourism campaign is likewise a joint undertaking, this time with the private sector. He said a remake of the 2004 “Tara Na, Byahe Tayo" music video will be rolled out in time for the Holy Week rush. The Tourism secretary also took the opportunity to share the DOT’s thrust in appealing to “high-value tourists," especially in international tourism promotion. “It is not the number of tourists we get that matters, but the amount of money they spend and the length of time they stay. What we want to do is spend our promotions money targeting the high-value visitors like the MICE [Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events] market," he said.—JV, GMA News

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