Holy Week rush spells profit for tourism-related businesses

CEBU, Philippines - Tourism destinations all over the country are definitely going to reap positive returns during the long Holy Week holidays as domestic and foreign tourists are expected to hit the beaches and pilgrim centers during the season.

“We expect travel rush during these four days, where people either go to the beaches or to pilgrim centers or even traveling abroad,” said DOT secretary Ace Durano.

Durano said in an interview yesterday that the four-day Holy Week holidays accounts for 10 percent of April's total tourist volume among top tourist destinations in the country.

While Filipinos will be in full observance of the Holy Week especially today and on Good Friday, movement of people heading for the beaches will start on Saturday until Monday, he said.

In Cebu, popular beach destination is Bantayan Island, located across the northern tip of Cebu, while for neighboring provinces popular beach hubs include Panglao Island, Bohol, Boracay, and Sumilon Island, Negros Oriental.

For those who want to find a much cooler place to escape the heat of the summer, Baguio, also known as the summer capital of the Philippines, is a favorite among Filipinos.

“Pilgrimage tourism is very popular in the country, especially, for the domestic tourists. There are tour operators in the country promoting our pilgrimage sites internationally and these operators join the DoT’s marketing activities abroad,” Durano said.

In Philippine culture, Filipinos seeks healing and spiritual awakening by visiting a sacred place. Among these are centuries old churches like Basilica Minor del Santo Niño (Cebu); San Pedro Apostol Church in Loboc (Bohol); Basilica of the Our Lady of Piat (Cagayan Valley); Baclaran and Quiapo Churches (Manila); Our Lady of Peñafrancia Church (Naga City, Camarines Sur); Our Lady of Manaoag (Pangasinan).

On the other hand, the Secretary cited Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand as among the commonly visited countries for Filipinos who leave the country during the Holy Week.

“When people go out, they spend money. And spending, whether in small amounts, is good for the economy,” said Phineas Alburo, DoT senior adviser.

Alburo also advised Filipinos to set aside a time for prayer in observance of the Holy Week before going out for leisure activities.

“Set aside today and Friday for the Lord, it's good for the soul. On Saturday until Monday, go out and have fun. It's good for the body,” Alburo concluded.— Ehda M. Dagooc