An increase in tourist arrival was expected in Baguio City as the Summer Capital of the Philippines celebrates its annual Panagbenga Flower Festival this 2024.
Despite the influx of tourists, Department of Tourism accredited Baguio tour guides ensure that there will be no increase on their 2,500 pesos whole-day tour and 1,500 pesos half-day tour daily rates.
The whole-day tour package includes seven to eight places to visit. Tourists may also decide on their preferred itinerary provided that it is congruent with the package they acquired.
“Kung minsan pa nga nag-oovertime kami eh but we do not charge an extra payment for that.” Tessie Grail Lomas-e, President of BLISTT – CAR Tour Guides Inc., states in an interview.
She also claimed that tour guides aid in traffic control as they offer shorter and more reliable alternative routes compared to GPS and Waze, especially during Panagbenga where control points must be abided and Central Business District must be avoided.
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism expects an increased surge of tourists to attend Panagbenga events compared to their number last December. With an estimate of 180, 000 to 200,000 tourists, having 60,000 estimated tourist arrivals per day. –Cielo Angel Nicole Abendan
Photo courtesy: Baguio Tour Guides
