By JOY R. SEVILLA
GUMASA (April 22, 2014) – The Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center (STIPC), the province’s agency responsible for building an image for Sarangani as an ideal tourism and investment destination in Southern Philippines, is targeting a 10 to 15 percent increase in tourist arrivals for this year’s celebration of the Sarangani Bay Festival (SarBay) scheduled on May 16-17.
This was bared by April Marjorie Rudes, tourism operations officer II of STIPC, saying that in 2013, there was a remarkable increase in the number of tourist arrivals for SarBay.
She said there was a total of 70,000 tourists recorded in 2013. The number is more than 30 percent compared to 2012’s record of only 52,000.
“We are overwhelmed by the results, 10 percent increase lang kasi ang target natin last year. Lahat positive ang feedbacks sa atin. This year, we still target at least 10 to 15 percent increase from the number in 2013,” Rudes said. She added the target percentage, on the other hand, is not restricted with what was already set.
It was learned that the number of tourist arrivals for SarBay is recorded by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and not by STIPC.
This year’s festival, party-goers and beach enthusiasts may look forward to three new events, namely: the Sarbay Triathlon for the Environment, the Paddle Board Clinic, and the Sarbay Jet Ski Competition, which is now a national competition.
The popular boy band Kamikazee will also be featured at the Concert at the Bay and Splash in the Sky event which will be held on the second day, May 17.
Rudes said the annual increase in the number of tourists that flood Sarangani for this festival could be attributed to the better implementation of the event every year.
“Pinaninindigan talaga natin na mas magaganda ang mga events every year, this is maybe why people keep on coming back at nagdadala pa ng mga friends nila. The ‘word of the mouth’ thing is powerful,” said Rudes.
The Tent City/Village will also be implemented this year. Camping tents are not anymore allowed in the Main Venue (between Rosal Beach and White Haven in Gumasa, Glan).
“We follow a tent city lay-out. This will be implemented para hindi na magulo at mabasura dun mismo sa main venue. Guests/tenants shall fill out a registration form and pay the corresponding fee before tents will be set up,” she said.
Rudes added that those who will register on May 15 or 16, shall pay the two-day rate, but those who register on May 17 shall only pay the one-day rate.
The two-day rate for a tent with four guests or less is placed at P300, while P500 is the rate for a tent with five guests or more. The one-day rate is placed at P150 and P250 for tents with four guests or less, and tents with five guests or more, respectively.
Rudes also pointed out that this year’s Sarangani Bay Festival will give more importance on environmental protection.
“We will give emphasis on environmental protection. Every year, ganito naman talaga pero paiigtingin pa this year. We will inspire the audience that they really need to be responsible especially sa waste disposal. This time, we will be more strict on this,” she said.
A meeting will be scheduled by the STIPC with the solid waste enforcers anytime this month. The STIPC, Rudes said, will also coordinate with the municipality of Glan regarding the matter. (Joy R. Sevilla/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
1 comment:
I was there SARBAY FEST 2015 and hopefully be back again next yr! I just hope the weather cooperates because the last time I was there it was raining and so messy!
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