THE improvement of tourism in La Trinidad, Benguet, is now being sought through the approval of its tourism code.
The proposed tourism code highlights new implementing rules and provisions, establishment of its tourism office, and creation of a tourism council.
During the public hearing held January 24 at the Lednicky Hall, stakeholders convened and discussed tourism and safety, provisions of tour organizers that require they must be accredited by the tourism office, local tour guides must be equipped with the stories and history of the valley to be disseminated to the public.
Another provision discussed is the collection of P500 green fee for every tour bus and P100 for tour vans per entry.
Under the proposed provision, souvenir vendors must also be accredited and latter inspected to check whether they substantiate the La Trinidad products.
The proposed tourism code covers the tourism infrastructures, tourism council, tourism office, inter-government relationships, tourism resources, incentives, registration and permits, resorts, travel and tour agencies, tour guides, transport operations, pasalubong or souvenir shops, restaurants, mall shops and department facilities, sports and recreational activities, museums, health and wellness center, meetings convention and events, tourism safety and security, and provision on organized tours, among others.
Proponent and chair on committee on tourism Councilor Guiller Galwan will present the report to the local council after further deliberation.
Benguet’s capital town is home to the strawberry farm, which has recorded an average of 300,000 to 400,000 visitors annually.
The tourism code will also put in place the establishment of a tourist and assistance center in the municipality that will serve as the operations base of tourism services. It is also seen to house a mini-museum, performance stage, pasalubong center and related services.