The Department of Tourism-Cordillera is working on expanding activities related to mountain sports tourism like obstacle courses and trail running among other sports events.
DOT-Cordillera Director Jovita Ganongan said the agency is promoting tourism in the region by diversifying product offers that will benefit the communities.
She cited as an example the first Altitude OCR World Series-Asia that will take place in Mount Pulag in Benguet set March 26 and 27, which is the beginning of mountain sports in the region.
“Bibigyan natin ito ng pansin kasi ito talaga ‘yung napakalaki ng edge ng tourism, hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas kundi international din. So, we will push for this kind of product,” Ganongan said, adding there are several mountains in the Cordillera waiting to be explored.
She said in conducting tourism-related activities like mountain sports activity, they look into the tourism value chain and its benefit to the community like employment generation and creation of livelihood opportunities.
She added communities hosting mountain sports events can provide homestay for the participants of an event, sell souvenir items, and provide other needed services.
Ganongan also expressed willingness to partner with well-meaning organizations doing some social works or social services for the community. – Debbie Gasingan
April 26, 2024
