Samar officials told to target European adventure tourists

published January 27, 2011 in BusinessWorld

CATBALOGAN, SAMAR -- Tourism Undersecretary Ma. Victoria V. Jasmin has encouraged local officials here to target European tourists in promoting adventure tourism in Samar.

Ms. Jasmin, who was here to induct the Samar provincial tourism council officers, said the various destinations on the island could draw European tourists who love adventure.

"Samar has caves, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, extreme boat ride, which are plus factors in attracting tourists," she said.

She noted that European tourists avoid urban centers like Metro Manila and Cebu.
European tourists comprised about 10% of the tourist arrivals from January to December last year. Of the 3.5 million tourists last year, 360,991 came from Europe.

Among the known adventure destinations in Samar province are the Sohoton National Park with caves and natural bridge in Basey town, Bangon Falls, Tinago-an Cave, Mawacat Slide, Pan-as Falls, Guinogo-an Cave, and Mapaso Hot Springs, among others.

Samar Governor Sharee Ann T. Tan said they have allotted P30 million for the improvement of an airport in Barangay Buri that currently serves private aircraft.

"With the provincial tourism council now organized, we expect that we can make and implement programs for tourism in the province," Ms. Tan told reporters. -- Sarwell Q. Meniano