Baguio City is positioning itself as a nature-lover’s paradise, promoting outdoor activities like forest bathing and park visits as key tourist draws.
In an interview on Monday, Aug. 5, Baguio City’s chief information officer, Aileen Refuerzo, said that the city government is actively enhancing its parks with new plants, themed gardens, and improved lighting to create more inviting spaces for visitors.
“We have lots of parks that are undergoing revitalization to make them more appealing to visitors. Aside from planting more flowers and trees, thematic flower gardens have also proven to be a come-on to many,” Refuerzo said.
Beyond its natural allure of cool weather and fresh air, the city is committed to enhancing its offerings to keep tourists coming back.
The city’s “Breathe Baguio” campaign, launched during the pandemic, underscores the importance of nature’s restorative power. The strategy has contributed to Baguio’s popularity as a weekend getaway, with the city welcoming an average of 30,000 tourists weekly.
Tourism contributes significantly to the local economy, generating an estimated ₱120 million in gross tourism receipts annually. However, the city is still recovering from the pandemic, with tourist arrivals in 2023 below pre-pandemic levels. While domestic tourism is thriving, international visitors remain scarce.
Baguio City’s tourism office acknowledges the need to attract more foreign tourists and is exploring strategies to position the city as a must-visit destination for international travelers.
