The Philippines is to focus on developing local communities as tourism attractions, it has been revealed.
Tourism secretary Oscar Palabyab has urged local government units to take up the mantle in the next tourism strategy to create jobs for residents by developing community attractions across the country.
Tourists on
gap year travel adventures are likely to be the first to benefit from the drive, with many already taking advantage in locations such as Cebuano.
According to Agnes Magpale, chairperson of the tourism and international affairs of the Cebu Provincial Board, Cebuano has many more cultural experiences to offer visitors.
Speaking at the three-day Community-Based Rural Tourism (CBRT) forum, she said: "At present, there are 46 local festivals in the province out of the 47 municipalities and 5 component cities."
The Philippines is growing in popularity, with tourist arrivals for 2007 reaching 3.09 million. However, Asia's most popular destination remains China, which attracted 45 million.
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