SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma said the recent launch of direct flights to Taipei from the neighbouring Clark Freeport in Pampanga provides an avenue to promote various tourism attractions in Subic to Taiwanese travellers.
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in cooperation with the Department of Tourism (DOT), is working to make Subic in the Philippines a destination for Taiwanese visitors.
SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma said the recent launch of direct flights to Taipei from the neighbouring Clark Freeport in Pampanga provides an avenue to promote various tourism attractions in Subic to Taiwanese travellers.
“Subic has been blessed with many tourist attractions, and we want to use every possible means to entice visitors to come and enjoy Subic,” Eisma said.
Among the tourist destinations in Subic are the Zoobic Safari nature park, where one can enjoy a “close encounter” activity with tigers; Ocean Adventure marine park; Subic’s mangrove forest; Ilanin Bay, and the historic World War II fort at Grande Island.
Subic, a former US naval base, is also a popular stop for international cruise ships. It recently welcomed the Ovation of the Seas, the Quantum-class liner of Royal Caribbean.
Because of its natural deep harbour and port facilities, Subic is considered one of the prime cruise destinations in the Philippines, second only to Manila.
DOT officer Marilou Pangilinan said tourists from Taipei have often used Clark Airport as their entry point to the Philippines.
“And while the Taiwanese frequented destinations such as Bohol, Palawan, Cebu and Benguet, they have little knowledge about Central Luzon’s tourist spots,” she added.
Eisma expressed hope that Taiwanese tourists looking for new areas to visit would consider Subic Bay Freeport Zone as one of their stops during their stay in the country.
Taiwan is the sixth biggest source of tourists for the Philippines, with about 60,000 arrivals for the period January to March this year.