PHILIPPINES: How Palawan's Plans To Attract A Million Tourists

The number of tourists visiting Puerto Princesa is expected to increase this year, says Demetrio Alvior jr., assistant tourism officer, city tourism of Puerto Princesa.

In an interview with Philstar.com on Tuesday, Alvior said the city is forecasting a 12-percent increase of tourist arrivals, based on previous year's numbers

"Ang average tourist arrival since 2010-2013 is 5.6 percent, pero nung 2014 to 2015 umabot ng 10 percent. This year we are expecting at least [a] 12-percent increase. We are hoping to reach 1,000,000tourist arrivals (this year)," Alvior said.

Palawan was named by Conde Nast Traveler as the world's best island for second straight year in 2015.

He said Puerto Princesa is not just a home to the famous Underground River, one of the longest underground rivers in the world, but the site of spectacular rivers, caves, falls and heritage sites.

To support the growing number of visitors, the tourism board and other agencies are planning to develop other sites in the area to cater to the visitors' needs.

"Right now we are planning to develop the dive tourism, eco tourism, agri tourism. May mga road maps na kami. Andaming dinedevelop. Meron kaming river cruise. We have two, Maoyon and Bacungan. Mas maganda ng di hamak kesa sa Loboc," he said.

Aside from efforts to promote more attractions, the increase in visitors can also be attributed to the new possibility of direct international flights. Direct flights from Puerto Princesa to Taiwan, for example, have recently been doubled, with carriers now flying twice a week.

"There are some investors na planning by March, magpapasok na sila ng 15 additional more flights direct from Puerto to Taiwan, so expected na talagang dadami yung foreign tourists," Alvior said.

At present, hotels in Puerto Princesa easily get fully booked. Alvior advises tourists to book their flights as early as possible.