HAPPY WEEKEND

What attracts tourists?
GINA DIZON

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- Tourist destinations have their own attractions which lure travelers. Consider some information sourced from the internet. The age-old Taj Mahal located in Agra, India is known for its spiritual and architectural record. Built under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, at least 3.2 million tourists last year visited this finest example of Mughal architecture.

Egypt which is one of the oldest civilizations of the world has heritage sites such as the Great Sphinx and the pyramid of Giza. More than a million and half plus a half million Egyptians visit the museum annually.

In India is Silambattam, one of the oldest traditional martial arts of Tamil Nadu that deals with stick fighting. Online info says Silambattam is gaining popularity among international tourists because of its holistic approach.

Not only are historical places of interest being visited. The wonders of nature makes many a tourist visit astounding natural spots to indulge in sight seeing.

The vastness of the Grand Canyon of Arizona averages at least 4.7 million visitors annually.

The crossing of wild beasts from the Mara River from Tanzania to Kenya lures visitors to this area to witness the animals’ annual migration. About 95,000 tourists visit Maasai Mara Game Reserve before the migration season ends. The animals are expected to return to Tanzania in October.

The Philippines too, has refreshing tourist destinations which saw nearly 3.5 million visitors last year. The white beaches of Boracay are a favored destination and so with the exotic beaches and wildlife of Puerto Galera. Too, the Chocolate Hills is a major attraction of Bohol.

The Banaue Rice Terraces carved into the mountains of Ifugao has been described as the eighth wonder of the world and considered a heritage site by UNESCO in 1995. The age-old Hanging coffins and caves of Sagada keep visitors going up north of the country to add to a cool climate. Too, Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines is an invigorating retreat for those who want to escape the heat and the fast life in Manila.

In Van, Turkey, a saloon keeper offers a wide range of fresh cream, herbal cheese, and yogurt to travelers. Along with his breakfast dishes served in his Milk House, he tells riddles and satires to his customers.
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If there is one major reason why tourists visit another place, this is to encounter or experience a different culture or take a healing break from work and routine. The host country now has that responsibility to let the visitor be relaxed and healed where in exchange for expense. We refer to the government and private establishments who should provide reasonable service to customers. This includes security, transport, tourism infra, IT availability and accommodation considering that net tourism income in the Philippines totaled $2.1 billion in year 2000.

Tourism in the Philippines started to flourish in the 1970’s up to 1980's, slowed down then upped in the early 1990’s. About 1.2 million tourists visited the Philippines in 1992. In 2000, the Philippines' tourist arrivals totaled 2.2 million with 2.8 million in 2003. Forecasts for 2007 indicated 3.4 million tourists visiting the country last year.