RP geography ideal for adventure tourism
As travelers are now opting for more thrills in their trips than the typical beach vacation, countries all over the world are developing their own ‘adventure’ products, which spurred the growing popularity of adventure tourism.
Adventure tourism is a kind of niche tourism product involving physical and recreational activities such as exploration or travel to remote, exotic and possibly hostile areas as well as cultural exchange or interaction, and engagement with nature.
Former DOT secretary Mina T. Gabor pointed out in an interview with reporters that considering the country’s rich natural resources and geography, there are a lot of adventure products that our community-based rural tourism (CBRT) program can capitalize to bring in many things such as income for the locals.
Mountain biking she said is one adventure product we can develop since mountain bikers nowadays are one of the biggest international markets and their activities are the most expensive tour packages.
However, Gabor stressed that before certain communities develop any kind of products, they should first consider specific and important requirements to make activities right and sustainable.
“In any CBRT undertaking, we should make sure that all necessary mechanisms and support systems like medical facilities are in place first and completed before we develop and promote any products or activities,” added Gabor.
She also highlighted the importance of professional tour guides who can facilitate this kind of products. “Guides are the name of the game today even in the global market. These are special jobs so we should be prepared to pay for this manpower,” added Gabor.
Noting that global trends suggest that ideal tours must “tell a story” that visitors can take with them, Gabor suggested that it will be better if tour guides for adventure tourism would have ample knowledge on these physically engaging activities.
“We should tap well-versed guides on adventure tourism like a retired sportsman, because what is happening in the industry these days is that visitors demand each activity to become a learning experience. Everything must tell a story so even if they would leave, their trip will be remembered,” she stressed.
During a presentation on “Sustainable Development and Management of Natural Resources Endowments in Rural Areas for Recreational and Adventure Tourism” at the first seminar held in Cebu on CBRT, a speaker from Nepal’s KGH group of hotels, resorts and travels Rajendra Narshingh Suwal shared that as a segment of the world’s travel and tourism sector, adventure-based products are a big market-drawer.
Suwal underscored that with the
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