DARAGA, ALBAY—Gov. Joey Salceda and his people saw it coming. There would be more tourists in their province due to the province’s world-class natural and man-made wonders and captivating scenic spots.
Albay is home to Mount Mayon, the world’s most active perfect-cone volcano.
“Albay is a complete destination for those who wish to take a respite from the rigors of everyday life. With all that our beautiful province can offer to our guests and visitors, we make tourism one of our priority programs,” Salceda said in a statement.
He cited some of best places to see and experience in Albay: Cagsawa Ruins, Misibis Beach Resort and Casino, Lignon Hills, Vera Falls, Kawa-Kawa Hill, Embarcadero de Legazpi, Joroan Church, Danao Lake, Japanese Tunnels, Mayon Skyline and Cagraray Eco Park.
Salceda is leading the culminating events of the monthlong Daragang Magayon Festival 2015, which kicked off on April 5. It ends on May 5.
The festival highlighted the products of Albay, including pili nuts, Daraga abaca handicrafts, Bacacay banig and the famous “Bicol Express” dish.
“I want it. Albay it,” said Salceda, quoting the “Colors of Albay” tour circuit brochure handed over to new guests.
Recently, Albay and its famous volcano hugged local and international limelight when the Mayon Volcano Natural Park (MVNP) was among the nominees for World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).
The three-term governor said Unesco had chosen the MVNP because of the local government’s efforts to ensure that Mount Mayon’s biodiversity remained intact and protected even as it is being promoted as a premier tourism site.
Salceda will do everything, including partnering with private firms such as Smart Communications Inc., to keep more tourists coming to their province.
He stressed the importance of tourism to boost the province’s economy as they aimed to further increase the number of foreign and local visitors.
“No tourist. No food,” Salceda said at the end of his speech during last month’s launch of the digital tourism here in partnership with Smart and InnoPub Media. He was quoting what Indonesians in Bali say to point out the importance of tourists to the economy of the island-province.
Salceda said there was at least a 3,795-percent increase in the number of foreign tourists annually since 2007, when he first became governor.
In 2007 there were 8,700 foreign tourists in Albay and the number jumped to 339,000 in 2014, Salceda said. He added there were 125,000 tourists in 2007 and the number increased to 600,000 last year.
Salceda said the new technology which uses the Albay Guide will increase the tourists by at least 5,000 yearly.
“But the number of tourists will be decreased by 5,000 annually if we won’t have the mobile app,” he added. With Albay’s 7.1-percent share in foreign tourists and expanding number of domestic visitors, Smart’s Digital Tourism program will further fortify the province’s position in a highly competitive tourism industry.
“Albay is one of the most beautiful provinces in the Philippines. It has been cited by international tour organizations as the best destination in Southeast Asia,” he said.
“We’re excited to have this opportunity to bring our digital tourism program to Albay in collaboration with our partners. The province has been a longtime partner for various initiatives like disaster preparedness. Aside from enriching people’s travel experiences, digital tourism also opens up opportunities for local communities and businesses,” Ramon R. Isberto, Smart public affairs group head, said in a statement. He was represented by Jose “Wo” Rosete, senior manager of Smart external relations, during the launch.
The Albay Guide is a comprehensive travel app that can be downloaded on iOS, Android and Windows phones and other mobile devices.
The app lists such Albay destinations as the Cagsawa Ruins, Lidong National Park, Mayon Skyline and Mayon Resthouse, Misibis Bay Resort, Lignon Hill Nature Park, Vera Falls, Kawa-Kawa Hill, Embarcadero de Legazpi and Danao Lake. It provides information useful to visitors, such as detailed instructions on getting to the sites and the many activities they can do when they arrive.
“Whether it is just to know the best spots to view or take a photo of Mayon or get up close and personal through an ATV Ride along the volcano’s lava trail, the Albay Guide is your best bet for information,” said a statement from Smart.
Albay’s beauty, Salceda said, is not limited to its natural assets. He said the province is also rich in arts and cultural heritage, citing its man-made citadels and monuments, showcasing the best in food and thrilling innovations in fine dining, and beautiful women winning beauty pageants around the world.
The free Albay Guide app and digital markers on top destinations will lead to greater customer satisfaction through easily accessible tourism information and result in more repeat visitors, he added.
“Digital Tourism will boost our product positioning and brand franchising of unique iconic features like Mayon Volcano and the Cagsawa Ruins and such unforgettable engagements as the Mayon ATV. It will also fortify our positioning as ecotourism, cultural and culinary destinations,” Salceda said.
Also provided in the mobile app are details on travel to Abay’s ancient churches and other heritage monuments, the best places to sample local fares like Bicol Express, pinangat and sili ice cream, the best pasalubong and where to buy them, hotels and accommodations, as well the top things to do in the province.
“It is a unique launching place: It is on top of Santa Maria Hill, in front of the centuries-old Baroque church, overlooking the center of Albay, and under the shadows of the majestic Mayon Volcano. How nice it would be to unveil a technological wonder so close to the clouds yet firmly grounded on the natural wonders of Albay,” Salceda said.
“Mobile plays a key role in travel. A study by Google and Ipsos MediaCT showed phones are used throughout the travel process—from getting travel inspiration to planning, booking, experiencing and even post traveling—with 67 percent of leisure travelers and 78 percent of business travelers using smartphones,” InnoPub cofounder Marlen Limpag said. “Our phones do not just keep us connected during our trips. They are our cameras, boarding passes, portable media players and in our Digital Tourism program, travel guides.”
Interactive markers will also be deployed on special sites like churches, plazas, and monuments to provide visitors more information on Albay’s rich historical heritage.
The markers contain quick response, or QR, codes and near-field communications, or NFC, stickers that, when scanned or tapped with a compatible device, trigger the download of more information about a site or structure.
Smart’s Digital Tourism program is a nationwide initiative that harnesses technology to deliver tourism, cultural and historical information. Through the collaboration with InnoPub Media, the project has been rolled out in Cebu, Iloilo and Baguio City. It was given an Anvil Award of Merit in February 2014.
Image credits: Leo Villacarlos