THE operation of Seair in Baguio is a welcome development, especially to those who are in the tourism industry.

But the use of the Poro Point airport in La Union remains to be a better alternative for Baguio and Cordillera visitors, Tourism Regional Director Purificacion Molintas said.

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The nearest airport, the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), is four hours away from Baguio. This makes competition with tourist destinations in Region IV crucial.

Molintas explained that while air travel is one requirement to hasten movement of people from one place to another, she said the promotion of a destination is not limited to mobility. “It also involves coming up with new things to offer to guests.”

This is the position of the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Baguio (HRAB) in a manifesto containing an account of why tourism in Baguio is declining.

Based on HRAB’s recent survey, hotel occupancy rate during summer has steadily declined. Compared to 100 percent occupancy rates five or 10 years ago, occupancy in 26 accommodation facilities has accounted for only 79 percent.

Many tourists are likewise availing of special tour packages where they can avail of affordable hotel and air fare to travel to neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, as well as in Europe and in the US.

Of the 1,000 respondents, 33 percent preferred visiting other destinations like Boracay, Tagaytay, Palawan, Bohol, Subic, Batangas, Pampanga, Batanes, Cagayan de Oro and Tacloban, among other places.

On other hand, respondents said Baguio is not on the top of their must-see places because of congestion, poor solid waste management, poor peace and order, traffic jams, air pollution and high travel cost.

Molintas refuted these findings of HRAB, saying there is no truth to reports that tourism is declining.

She maintained Baguio remains to be a favorite destination.

She reminded, however, that with the presence of new attractions, which are near to Manila, improvements have to be made to sustain tourist arrivals.

In its manifesto, the HRAB said if Baguio wants to regain its stature as the summer capital change must be done.

HRAB proposed for the City Government and the public to conduct a massive campaign on proper waste disposal cleanliness and regreening.

Existing parks should be improved and new theme parks should be built.

Traffic decongestion, improvement of the market, promotion of scenic spots outside of Baguio, networking with Cordillera and Ilocos provinces are among the changes suggested.

Creation of activities which attract adults and the young, partnership in a tourism summit, advertising, active participation of tourism practitioners in activities and events and investment in tourism were also proposed to give a boost to the city’s tourism industry. (Rimaliza Opiña)