January 5, 2024
Sagada, a picturesque town in Mountain Province, has witnessed a remarkable increase in tourism, thanks to improvements in public transport, accommodations, and dining options. The tourist count in Sagada soared to 108,059 from January 1 to November 30, 2023, nearly doubling from 48,761 in the entire year of 2022. While the figures for December are still being tallied, this growth marks a significant rebound from pre-pandemic levels when tourist numbers reached 144,000 in 2019.
Gloria Pilamon-Langbayan, the Sagada Tourism Officer, expressed optimism about the town’s growing appeal in a recent phone interview. “We are definitely seeing more people drawn to Sagada,” she said, attributing this trend to continuous improvements in tourism services.
Key among these improvements is the enhanced public transport system. Tricycles, locally referred to as “tuk-tuks,” are now a common sight, offering convenient rides around the town. This initiative encourages visitors to park their vehicles at their hotels or lodgings, significantly easing traffic congestion.
Efforts have also been made to better manage parking, with specific roads designated as parking areas to keep the town’s main thoroughfares clear.
Moreover, local hotels and restaurants have stepped up their game, upgrading facilities and menus for greater health, safety, and quality, keeping pace with international standards. “The enhancements are evident,” Langbayan noted, “Especially during the holidays, we saw a huge influx of tourists. The lively atmosphere here, even without the final statistics, clearly shows our town’s popularity.”
Sagada, renowned for its cool climate and stunning natural beauty, continues to be a favorite destination for both local and international travelers seeking a serene and scenic getaway.
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