70 percent increase in tourist arrivals noted in Hundred Islands

ALAMINOS CITY — Tourism is in a big boom here as the city mayor reported a 70 percent increase in tourist arrivals in the world-famous Hundred Islands National Park (HINP).

Mayor Hernani Braganza told local reporters that 30 percent of the increase was contributed by foreign tourists and 40 percent by local tourists.

He said that their target tourist arrivals this year is 250,000 which is 150 percent higher than last year’s target.

The entrance fee at HINP is pegged at P20 per person, the cheapest in the entire country, Braganza said.

In 2004, they earned P94,000 from ticket sales.

The management, control and operation of the HINP was turned over by the Philippine Tourism Authority last year to the city government after 65 years.

This national park covers a land area of 1,884 hectares with actually 123 islands scattered like emeralds in the deep blue waters off Lingayen Gulf, three of which have been developed for tourists. These are the Governor, Quezon and Children’s Islands.

From Lucap, one takes a boat ride to any of these islands.

The city is celebrating its fiesta this week and Braganza said this year’s affair is dedicated to all Alaminians not only based abroad who came home but also to all cityfolks who are now living outside the city within the Philippines. Thus the festivities is dubbed 2006 Global Homecoming.

Braganza said he is asking their assistance in promoting the city wherever they are now and through direct investments like putting up buildings and commercial establishments. He said he is also asking them to donate certain equipment that the city needs and a lot of them have responded positively.

The city has several investment areas for tourism like barangays Victoria, Telbang, Pandan, which are all fronting the sea and in Lucap and Baley ya Daan.

The proposed airstrip to be built in Barangay Quiboar here is still under study. Braganza said technically according to the initial report, it is viable but commercially, it will encounter difficulty.

The city is now preparing for the peak season of the HINP this summer.