La Union gears up for surfing event

MANILA, Philippines - La Union is gearing up for its flagship surfing event next month as the northern province continues to build up its tourism draw.

The 10th La Union Surfing Break, slated from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, is expected to attract 12,000 visitors, 10 percent higher than last year’s 10,000 visitors.

Department of Tourism – Region 1 director Martin Valera said La Union differs from other famous surfing destinations such as Siargao and Baler - which are more suited for serious or professional level of surfing.

“La Union is best for learners and for beginners. Very chill and just enjoyable,” he said. The province draws an average 400 visitors every weekend for its surfing destinations.

The surf break, one of the peak seasons in the province, translates to a 20 to 25 percent increase in revenues of hotels and restaurants, and around 110 percent in occupancy rate.

La Union tourism officer Adamor Dagang added the younger generation has become their primary market in terms of receipts and arrivals.

“The younger they are, the more they spend,” he said.

Last year, 200,466 domestic travelers and 19, 812 foreign tourists visited La Union, accounting for almost 20 percent of total arrivals for the whole region in 2014.

Valera said more Filipinos are likely to travel more in various parts of the country as the millennial market gains momentum and traffic in the metro continues to worsen.