SUBIC TOURIST ARRIVALS UP IN 2013
FOR three (3) years in a row, the Subic Bay Freeport recorded a steady increase in tourist arrivals.
According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia, from 1,156,775 tourists in 2011, arrivals grew to 1,252,217 in 2012 and in 2013, the figure rose further up to 1,263,223.
Tourists are classified as having stayed at least overnight in the Freeport.
The Subic Bay Freeport is both an industrial area and a tourism destination, thanks to its natural deep harbor and well-preserved environment courtesy of decades of US military presence.
Garcia said SBMA eyes to attract more tourists, whose spending perks up not only the Freeport but nearby communities, like Olongapo City, as well.
“We have lined-up various events and activities,” he said, “and we are upgrading and building new infrastructures to make Subic more attractive to both local and foreign tourists.”
Garcia made the revelations in a recent meeting with SBMA locators and investors at the Subic Bay Exhibit and Convention Center (SBECC) where he also announced the implementation of the “Environment and Topurism Development Fee.”
Funds raised from the fees, which will be passed on to customers, will be used, among others, to off-set the carbon footprint of tourists and visitors in the Freeport.
