Turning Laiya into Boracay
I SPENT the Holy week with my family in San Juan, Laiya, Batangas. Two days before Maundy Thursday, I was still able to make a reservation at Campo De Laiya.
Campo De Laiya is a mountain resort ideal for those seeking a serene retreat from the urban hustle and bustle.
Surrounded by trees, the vacation spot is home to a variety of bird species that provide the relaxing sounds of nature.
The absence of the beach is compensated for by the water pools and the jacuzzi, which are open to guests anytime.
Last year was a busy one for this corner. Campo De Laiya gave me the break I deserved.
At any rate, a tour of the beaches of Laiya revealed that the locality is fast developing into a major tourist hub.
Many hotels that were not there six years ago are now fully packed. One of them – the Cocoon – gives the Boracay vibes.
And more hotels are rising, indicating that Laiya will soon give other tourist destinations a run for their money.
This is not surprising. Many places outside Metro Manila are getting their share of tourism triumphs.
Such development is proof that the Philippine strategy to spotlight emerging tourist destinations is paying off.
Recently, three Central Luzon sites were nominated for the prestigious World Travel Awards.
During a Malacañang press briefing early this week, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the nominations serve as a testament to the success of the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028.
“Ang mga nominasyong ito ay patunay na epektibo ang direksyon ng National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028, na layuning paunlarin hindi lamang ang mga kilalang destinasyon, kundi pati na rin ang mga bagong lugar na sumasalamin sa tunay na ganda ng Pilipinas,” Castro said.
The three latest nominations — Aurora Province, the City of San Fernando in Pampanga, and the Clark Freeport Zone — bring the Philippines’ total number of World Travel Awards (WTA) citations to 10.
Castro said the country’s growing list of international recognitions reflects its strengthened tourism initiatives.
“Ang mga parangal na ito ay patunay ng lakas at lawak ng ating turismo, mula sa kalikasan, kultura, hanggang world-class events,” Castro said.
Castro recognized the success of these emerging destinations in showcasing Philippine culture, natural beauty, and world-class event management.
Aurora Province, known for its pristine beaches and eco-tourism sites, is nominated as Asia’s Leading Regional Nature Destination.
San Fernando, Pampanga—the Christmas Capital of the Philippines—is in the running for Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination.
On the other hand, the Clark Freeport Zone, a fast-rising business hub in Central Luzon, has been nominated as Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination.
