THE advent of tourism encouraged a lot of activities and ventures for stakeholders to maximize the benefits that could be derived from this emerging industry. Tourism's effect on a place, which is endowed with opportunities, is such that even a remote municipality like Sagada has made tourism as its primary livelihood.
Now, who wouldn't have heard of this mysterious haven that's nestled within the mountainous highlands of the Cordilleras? I was inspired to conduct a study on the status of tourism in this 5th class municipality since I wanted to find out what's happening behind the much-talked about caves and waterfalls and the culture that beguiles thousands of tourists, both local and foreign.
Now, who wouldn't have heard of this mysterious haven that's nestled within the mountainous highlands of the Cordilleras? I was inspired to conduct a study on the status of tourism in this 5th class municipality since I wanted to find out what's happening behind the much-talked about caves and waterfalls and the culture that beguiles thousands of tourists, both local and foreign.
The growth of tourism in this locality, like most tourist destinations in the archipelago, is said to be unplanned. It was spurred by the community's response to the economic opportunities that are brought about by tourism demands. For the earlier years, the returns are good. The negative impacts cannot be felt since revenue intake is continuous. The industry looks promising. For this reason, a lot of the locals are now investing on businesses that are tourism-oriented. The influx of tourists gets larger through the years and Sagada's name is put on the map-no necessary advertisements made by the locality since the tourists themselves unknowingly promote this to their families, friends and fellow travelers.
The apprehension however is there. Undeniably, making the tourism operations bigger would gradually turn this idyllic refuge into a place that will not be able to accommodate heightened tourism entry and demands. One of the main attractions after all, aside from the unparalleled natural spots and adventure experiences, is the culture or way of living, which is a definite respite from the fast-paced bustle in urban areas. The possibility that Sagada might be on its way to becoming one of those tourist destinations that have stagnated in growth because of their inability to maintain the attractiveness of their offered goods and services for visitors is inevitable.
Since the socio-cultural and environmental aspects are also being affected, if not disturbed, because of the invasion of foreign ways to the community, hostility by the locals is also experienced. This is another factor that needs to be looked into as to avoid disparity within the locality itself, thus stunting the development of the industry. As an indigenous community, rural development should be the primary goal and this should be done without compensating the culture of the populace.
Sustainable tourism is one key to warding off the negative offshoots that the tourism phenomena can bring. Mutual benefits for all stakeholders can only be achieved if shared obligations are also done.
Let the positive effects outweigh the negative impacts that tourism brings. The economic gains are really tempting but if this means putting the culture at risk and if only a few are benefiting from the rewards being raked in, investing so much without thought for systematic management of the industry is not such a sound move.
The apprehension however is there. Undeniably, making the tourism operations bigger would gradually turn this idyllic refuge into a place that will not be able to accommodate heightened tourism entry and demands. One of the main attractions after all, aside from the unparalleled natural spots and adventure experiences, is the culture or way of living, which is a definite respite from the fast-paced bustle in urban areas. The possibility that Sagada might be on its way to becoming one of those tourist destinations that have stagnated in growth because of their inability to maintain the attractiveness of their offered goods and services for visitors is inevitable.
Since the socio-cultural and environmental aspects are also being affected, if not disturbed, because of the invasion of foreign ways to the community, hostility by the locals is also experienced. This is another factor that needs to be looked into as to avoid disparity within the locality itself, thus stunting the development of the industry. As an indigenous community, rural development should be the primary goal and this should be done without compensating the culture of the populace.
Sustainable tourism is one key to warding off the negative offshoots that the tourism phenomena can bring. Mutual benefits for all stakeholders can only be achieved if shared obligations are also done.
Let the positive effects outweigh the negative impacts that tourism brings. The economic gains are really tempting but if this means putting the culture at risk and if only a few are benefiting from the rewards being raked in, investing so much without thought for systematic management of the industry is not such a sound move.