Hundred Islands lure foreign tourists

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan, Philippines—The Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City is now a haven for foreign tourists from 68 countries for its majestic beauty and hospitable people, according to the city government.

Top visitors

Citing official records, Mayor Hernani Braganza said Koreans were the top visitors in 2010 with a total of 4,004 arrivals followed by Americans, 1,663; Canadians, 402; Australians, 396; Japanese, 344 and Germans, 316.

‘‘There were even Africans from Kenya and Congo who came and truly enjoyed their stay here,” he added.

Last year, the city hosted a total of 162,653 tourists, of which 9,995 were foreigners.

Tourism capital

The foreign arrivals have made Alaminos Pangasinan’s tourism capital, he said. ‘‘That is victory for the city,” he said.

Rey Livara, park manager, said the place is fast becoming a favorite for picnickers and bird watchers.

In 2005, the Philippine Tourism Authority transferred the management, control and supervision of the Hundred Islands to the city government ensure a sustainable tourism development in the area.

“This was another remarkable feat for all Alaminians who defended the city’s pride from the malicious reports and politically-motivated efforts to destroy the image of the Hundred Islands,” Braganza said.

Safety equals beauty
He said safe travel of local and foreign tourists in the area and preservation of the marine resources have made the Hundred Islands even more attractive as a destination.

He said the Task Force Kalikasan has also wiped out illegal fishing operations in the area.

Forefront

“We can never do anything to tarnish the reputation of the Hundred Islands; neither would we damage its environment. We are always at the forefront of defending this city’s foremost natural resource,” he said.