THE town of Itogon is inviting tourists as well as residents of Baguio City and nearby towns to visit the different attractions to help lessen the heavy traffic in the Summer Capital especially during holidays, during the Panagbenga Festival and summer vacation.
Itogon Tourism officer designate Nestor Camado Jr. said there are several tourist sites and attractions to visit in the mining town which includes Mt. Ulap, Mt. Ugo, Mt. Pigingan, Mt. Bidawan, Crosby Park, Balatoc Underground Tour, Binga, and the famous 1300 Level Swimming Pools.
Camado added Itogon is less than an hour ride from Baguio City where tourists may visit which will also help residents.
“You have to visit Itogon kasi the town is rich in culture and nature,” Camado said.
The tourism officer said during peak season, the municipality has an average of 10,000 documented foreign and local tourists monthly from different tourism sites and attractions aside from those not recorded.
The 1300 level swimming pools have the highest tourist arrivals with an average of 5,000 local and foreign tourists monthly followed by Mt. Ulap, Mt. Ugo and the Balatoc Mines Underground Tour.
Camado said every tourist spends P1,000 to P1,500 when visiting Itogon.
In the mountains, tourists pay minimum environmental fee as well as tour guides to experience mountain adventures such as hiking and sightseeing.
The tourism office is conducting extensive training for tour guides and assured to improve accommodation and home stay programs to help attract tourism.
Alexander Fianza, one of the 1300 level swimming pool owners said tourists visit the area due to the natural beauty of hot springs believed to have medicinal benefits.