BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Tourism continues to play a critical role in the economic growth of Baguio City.
City Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo shared in an interview that tourism strikes up to 25 percent of the city’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP).
GDP pertains to the economic output of a certain area. This represents the monetary value of all final goods and services made within a region or country in a given period of time.
“In the past years, we know how tourism is boosting on the economy of Baguio City. It accounts to up to 25 percent, or 20 to 25 percent of the GDP of Baguio City’s economy including the direct or indirectly related establishment,” he said.
The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) agrees that the arrival of tourists in the country’s summer capital helps in its economic growth.
“Our economy is revolving around the industry of tourism, yan ang number one na driving force ng economy ng Lungsod ng Baguio, kasunod niyan siyempre ‘yung education. So malaking bagay ‘yung tourists na umaakayat dito sa Baguio because most of the businesses that we have cater to tourism” HRAB spokesperson Andrew Pinero said.
Residents also support how the industry brings progress, especially in the business sector.
“Dagiyay magatgatang ngay piman, dagiti products, dagita strawberry, nateng, dagita walis, adu pay, adu piman ti tulong na ti Baguio,” William, a resident said.
(Local products such as strawberries, vegetables, brooms and others are bought; it is a big help to Baguio.)
Silvino Paganas noted that neighboring areas also benefit from the influx of tourists to the city.
“Nu umay da ditoy, apan da met bisitaen dagitoy da nay tourist spot, nu makita da ket adda pay mas napinpintas pay nga maipaay da nga tulong, kas iti daytoy Strawberry farm, apan da gumatang dita piman, haan lang nga ditoy Baguio,” he said.
[If they come here, they visit tourist spots, and they also go to nearby destinations like the Strawberry Farm (in La Trinidad) where they also buy local products, so it helps not only Baguio]
Baguio City leads the region’s growing economy with its nine percent growth in 2023. This was reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority Cordillera during the Provincial Products Account dissemination forum in November last year.
Data shows that the services sector contributed hugely to the city’s economy, constituting 73.7 percent of the total shares. This includes accommodation and food service activities, among others.
With the upcoming Panagbenga Festival in February, the city braces for more tourist arrivals. And while the city welcomes tourists, Mapalo appeals to visitors to be sensitive or sympathetic especially to the locals who often have to endure the heavy traffic with the volume of vehicles due to tourists.
“I guess we have to reflect and look at those things that will prevent the locals from being irritated sa mga turista natin. I think sensitivity to the locals and at the same time ‘yung pagiging isang mabuting turista, ‘yung isang citizen, it doesn’t take rocket science for them to do that” he said.
Aside from its famous parks notably Burnham Park, Wright Park and Mines View Park, and other scenic landscapes, and its cool climate, Baguio City is also known for it vibrant culture and diverse culinary offerings. (JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR)