Natural wonders 'sparks' tourism in Samar

PALO, Leyte, Dec. 23 (PNA) -- Poverty-stricken Samar province is reaping the reward of its tourism campaign this year, boosting the local government’s hope to position the province as one of the country’s rising tourist and investment destinations.

Governor Sharee Ann Tan reported the number of visitors to the three major tourism sites in the province has increased significantly this year compared to 2015.

From January to November 2016, Tandaya Trail day tourist arrivals rose to 6,918 from 4,853. Likewise from 118,018 overnight stay guests, it went up to 198,023.

Tandaya Trail, which is part of the local government’s Spark Samar campaign, brings visitors to Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge in Basey town, rock formation in Marabut town; and the Ulot River ultimate extreme boat ride in Paranas town.

The trail is considered as the spark that would start the flourishing of tourism industry for Samar province.

“Seeing the success of this Spark Samar, we dreamed to advance this into something bigger and more sustainable through Spark Samar development agenda for 2017-2019,” Tan said.

Tandaya is the pre-Spanish name of Samar Island and the trail invites travelers looking for adventure to explore the unspoiled wonders hidden in Samar. The trail winds through the towns of Marabut, Basey, and Paranas, where islets, caves, and winding rivers are waiting to be discovered. (PNA) JBP/SQM/Diane Mae B. Derio (OJT)