CEBU CITY — To help spur the growth of domestic tourism in the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DoT) is encouraging the public to tour the country, whether in nearby municipalities or provinces, during the long weekends declared by President Arroyo for 2010.

The Palace made a declaration of regular and special non-working holidays for 2010 as contained in RA 9492 and Proclamation 1841.
“Spending your vacation here is a great pledge to love your own and do your part in boosting our country’s growth,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

Durano said that apart from the country’s eight anchor spots, namely, Boracay, Palawan, Davao, Cebu, Bohol, Vigan, Baguio, and Manila, the DoT is also actively promoting unexplored sites to benefit the communities in said remote areas.

“We enjoin people to visit tucked-away destinations as well for economic gains to trickle down to the grassroots level,” Durano said in a statement.

These alternative spots are readily available and highly accessible for tourists who prefer to immerse themselves with local life, enjoy home-grown leisure, and stay in accommodations such as home-stays and inns, added the Tourism chief.

In the year just past, the DoT has launched some alternative sites like the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Leyte and the Danao Adventure Park in Bohol.

Citing other examples of undiscovered spots, Durano said, “While beaches of Boracay and Palawan are still top-drawers, Camiguin, Leyte, Mindoro, Occidental and Oriental Negros, Siquijor, Quezon also have pristine waters and stunning coastlines.”

For the nature-lovers, Bataan, Batanes, Benguet, Bulacan, Cavite, Marinduque, and Romblon make for good vacation destinations, while heritage hunters may seek the old historical charm of Bacolod and Iloilo, aside from Ilocos.

Spiritual pilgrimages, cultural festivities and colorful ethnic celebrations are some other highlights that tourists may also wish to join.

To those who take comfort in city life, the DoT advised visiting the cities of Manila, Makati, Cebu, and Davao, which offer shopping, food trips, night-time entertainment and theme park activities.

“We have huge theater performances and concerts lined up for the year,” added Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr.

Jarque also noted the travel trends that the public should look out for. “Extreme outdoor activities are big this year. The range is more expansive now, with tourists who are open-minded and raring to experience something new,” he shared.

The department has been relentlessly supporting adventure activities such as plunges, zipline rides, wakeboarding, skimboarding, kayaking and cylotourism among others.

Lastly, the department reminds the public to book early. “It’s ideal to plan ahead, and avail of value-for-money packages offered by hotels, restaurants, malls, theme parks, and entertainment venues,” said Durano.