Baguio promoted as RP's convention capital

BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City, generally regarded as the "Summer Capital" of the Philippines, may yet have another feather in its cap — RP's Convention Capital — courtesy of local leaders of the travel and tourism sector.

"We want all roads leading to Baguio not only during summer, but throughout the year," said Dangal Guevara Jr., an officer of the Baguio Conventions and Visitors Bureau (BCVB).

Noting this mountain city's consistently cool climate even as lowlanders swelter in blistering heat, Guevara said that selling Baguio as a convention center can't be too difficult. He said that people flock to Baguio for several other reasons. "There are many ways to package Baguio — as a university city, a honeymoon haven, or a travel and adventure destination.”

He noted that tourism in Baguio traditionally peaks in February when the Panagbenga Festival is held. The Panagbenga, which attracts local and foreign tourists, also ushers in the Holy Week exodus of holiday-seekers trying to escape the scorching temperature in the lowlands.

After summer, however, tourism and other businesses generally slow down, with the slack prevalent for the greater part the year. To fill up the void, the BCVB decided to launch a vigorous tourism campaign designed to encourage businessmen to hold their conventions in Baguio. The decision was firmed up during a recent marketing forum spearheaded by the Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) in connection with the company’s "Rediscover the North," a campaign meant to promote the tourist spots of northern Philippines.

Guevara said the city has adequate facilities to host any convention, ranging from modest company meetings to industry congresses. "Depending on the company's needs, we have a place to offer. If it's a big gathering, we have the 3,000-seat Baguio Convention Center, or the entire Camp John Hay. For modest ones, we can offer the universities and hotels as venues," Guevara said.

What makes Baguio best for conventions is that it has the facilities of both an urban center and a rural resort. It has restaurants that Metro Manila has. Additionally, it has hot springs and wellness centers in natural settings. For nature-lovers and the more adventurous souls, Baguio has enough areas for trekking and kayaking.

Guevara said corporations eyeing Baguio as a convention site should not encounter any problem about coordination. "All they need to do is get in touch with us, and we will help them facilitate the processes. For big events, we can even act as the secretariat,” Guevara said, adding that the BCVB personnel, being homegrown, know the place like the palm of their hands, as well as the sentiments and culture of the people. Such familiarity, he said, comes in handy for the success of big events such as the Advertising Congress. “We can make different venues work together. The BCVB can do the negotiations. We're here to make everyone win," Guevara said.

For more information visit Baguio Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website www.visitbaguiocity.com.

Dexter See is a travel writer.