Tourists choosing Baguio despite traffic, road repair

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – This city continues to get its fair share of tourist arrivals despite inconvenience caused by road repair projects in central business district and other roads leading to the city’s tourist spots.

Councilor Elmer Datuin said hotels and other accommodations in the city have reported full booking  the past weeks indicating Baguio remains a favorite tourist destination despite traffic snarls caused by the road and drainage rehabilitation works.

 Mayor Mauricio Domogan said contractors of the road projects have been advised to hasten or be methodical in undertaking the road works to minimize the traffic discomfort borne by motorists.

Only last week, the mayor complained to Baguio City District Engineer Alexander Castañeda on the discontinued project along Rimando Road which was abandoned due to unresolved contractual issues.

The mayor said the work has resumed and is now being fast-tracked.

“I am glad that contractors are heeding our advice.  I hope they will work 24 hours to speed up the projects so these will be completed in time for the opening of classes in public schools,” the mayor said.

He directed the city police to continue manning the chokepoints to ensure that vehicle flow will continue despite the obstructions.

The mayor also concerned offices to continue to address concerns on peace and order to continue to contain traffic and crime problems, utilities to ensure enough water supply, smooth garbage collection and the tourist-oriented establishments to ensure hassle-free stay for the vacationers.

City budget officer Leticia Clemente said the City continues to host big conventions so the venues must be maintained properly. 

As per report from the city tourism office, the city had close to 730,000 guests for the first quarter of the year.  The number only came from accredited hotels and inns and did not include those unaccredited that include the numerous inns and transient houses all around the City.

The number also did not include the establishments that were accredited but did not submit reports to the tourism office.  According to the tourism office, only 83 of the 142 accredited accommodation establishments were submitting reports on guest arrivals.  

Last year, the city had a total of 932,292 guests billeted in these accredited hotels, according to the Department of Tourism Cordillera