Senator Juan Edgardo Angara on Sunday said that apart from Baler, other beaches and tourist spots in Aurora should also be promoted to sustain tourism growth in the province and spread the benefits of tourism to other municipalities.
“In order to sustain the tourism growth of Aurora, we need to expand. Baler is already famous. Other beaches in Aurora should be introduced and patronized so that other areas should benefit in the growing tourism,” said Angara, former congressman of the lone district of Aurora province.
The senator has cited Dinadiawan beach in Dipaculao and Casapsapan beach in Casiguran as among the pristine beaches in Aurora that are not known yet to tourists.
“Many do not know that we also have a Boracay in Aurora. While Boracay is still closed, this is a good opportunity to promote other destinations in the country especially those in poor provinces,” he said.
From 10,782 tourist arrivals in 2007, Baler received 1.2 million tourists in 2017. Boracay, on the other hand, attracts 2 million tourists every year.
Angara urged the local government to invest in tourism and develop the necessary infrastructure and facilities that would entice tourists to visit the area.
“We should improve our road networks and fix our airports. Even Baler could attract more tourists if the establishment of its airport would be fast-tracked,” he said.