Tourism Destination Development in Atok, Benguet

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the potential tourist spots in Atok, Benguet; the developmental plans and strategies of the community and the LGU in promoting these tourist spots; and the challenges faced by the LGU in the process of developing their tourist spots. The study was conducted in Atok, Benguet from January to May 2016 with a total of 50 respondents composed of 40 local community, eight barangay captains and two LGU employees. Interview schedule and focus group discussion were used to gather the data needed in the study. The data gathered were consolidated, tabulated and were analyzed descriptively. The results of the study shows that there are existing and potential tourist site in the municipality and most of them are burial caves and waterfalls. The existing attractions are: Highest point view deck, Half tunnel, Paoay vegetable terraces, Naguey rice terraces, Amburayan river and Bosleng Lourdes Grotto while the potential attractions are: Boneng campsite, Goat leap, Adevonan, Sakwit, and Dakaan falls, Osucan Spanish trail, Innuman and Pangkas burial caves, and Makidot liang. The respondents have also identified other potential sites such as King-king falls, Mt. Timbac, Tongaran and Kolukol falls, the St. Pauls Academy of Sayangan Inc., and the Atok central municipal hall as heritage attractions. The study shows that tourism accommodation and amenities in the area is insufficient and needs improvement. Most of the attractions are difficult to reach since there are no roads, therefore there is a need of road constructions and improvements in the area. More tourism activities should also be introduced to attract visitors. The findings reveal that the priority project that is related to tourism in the area is the construction and improvement of access roads so that tourism in the municipality will be made possible. The respondents have a lot of projects for tourism in the area but are still for proposal, these are summarized as construction of roads, footpaths and foot trails, improvement of comfort rooms and additional accommodation facilities and promoting Agri-tourism, though one is in progress which is the development of Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Park in Haight’s place in partnership with a Japanese institution. Brochures and social media could be used to promote the different attractions in the municipality. The results of the study further shows that tourism in the municipality is weak since tourism development comes last on the list of priority projects of the local government. In addition, there is no permanent tourism officer in the area, no tourism council, tourism plan and insufficient facilities and access roads, these are the major problems and challenges encountered by the municipality in the development process.