US 'Survivor' boosts tourism, fishermen's income in Cagayan town

STA. ANA, Cagayan - Tourist arrivals in this picturesque town almost tripled after it was tapped by US reality show 'Survivor' as its location.

Charlotte Collado, community relations officer of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), said the number of visitors they have received so far this year has exceeded 21,000, higher than the 8,164 posted for the entire 2013

"People became curious after the place was shown in 'Survivor.' Tourists wanted to see it themselves," Collado said in an interview yesterday.

Even the income of fishermen was boosted by the sudden influx of tourists.

Gaudencio Fronda, tourism officer of CEZA, said the income of fishermen has risen to P2.7-million as of Thursday from P1.2-million last year.

"Before, our fishermen regard tourism as a sideline. Now, ferrying tourists is now their main source of livelihood and fishing is now their sideline," Fronda said.

The US edition of 'Survivor' held location shootings in this town from April to August last year. Among the areas shown in the reality show were Cape Engano and Anguib Beach in Palaui Island, which has earned the title of "Boracay of the North" because of its white sand.

Other reality shows from Sweden and Israel have expressed to tap Cagayan as their venue because of its eco-tourism sites. The Anguib Beach also served as a location of the local film "The Mistress," which starred Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz.

About 80 percent of the visitors are domestic tourists while others include Chinese, Koreans, Americans, and Europeans.

Despite the higher visitor arrival, tourism officers are making sure that the beauty of the site is preserved. Louella Baligod, tourism officer of CEZA, said they are imposing strict policies against littering. She said tourists are only allowed to stay in the Anguib beach for six hours to preserve its natural beauty.

Collado said what Palaui Island appealing is its "virgin" areas that make it appealing to nature trippers.

"The area is an untouched paradise. It is a virgin ecosystem with pristine forests and waters," Collado said.