Tourism Development and Investment Promotion

Cavite is one of the major tourists destinations in the country. Records from the Department of Tourism show that Region IV has obtained a sizable share of both domestic and foreign tourists in comparison with the rest of the regions in the Philippines because of the diversity of both natural and man-made attractions as well as general and special interest products in the area. And among Region IV provinces, Cavite tops the list in terms of getting the biggest volume of tourists arrival. For the year 2000 alone, Cavite got 1,073,146 tourists counting only those who visited Tagaytay City . The potential increase in the number of visitors and the benefits derived from tourism is still big considering the new development dimension the present administration is pursuing.

Tourism Development Program

Skills Development and Enhancement Program for Tourism Stakeholders

This program shall be implemented in two approaches – internal and external. Internal approach means providing skills training and enhancement of stock knowledge for the staff within the provincial capitol who shall be responsible in carrying out all tasks related to tourism. External approach means providing learning opportunities or upgrading the skills of co-implementors and key players in the community such as personnel and operators/managers of tourist establishments, homestay program hosts and other entrepreneurs. This shall be done in close coordination/collaboration with the Department of Tourism.

Agri-Tourism Development Program

 Under this program, tourist product shall refer to attractions, activities, services, amenities and cultural resources in the upland farms of Cavite.

Farm hosting and homestay shall be the main focus to give tourists a chance to interact with the local people and let them feel and taste the bounty of blessing in the countryside.

The program shall highlight the potentials and existing features of farms and farm products such as flowers, vegetables, and other crops as a form of rural tourism. Tourism activities in this manner shall complement the provincial administrator's concern on agricultural development where alternative employment shall be provided and entrepreneurial skills of people in the countryside will be developed and enhanced. This shall also serve as the provincial government's vehicle in conveying the message on the importance of agriculture as one of the industries of Cavite. Ultimately, the program is envisioned to persuade local community landowners to maintain rural landscape in the upland area by providing motivation to maintain farms through the economic benefits derived from tourism.

Historico-Cultural Heritage Preservation & Enrichment Program

This shall include restoration, conservation or preservation of historical and cultural sites and events as tourist attractions. Organization and management of cultural groups for theater arts and stage performances fall within this program category.

Tourism Promotion & Marketing Program

The program shall include production of tourism map, destination brochures, flyers and other marketing folio. The province shall go on global tourism through webpage subscription, e-commerce/email/internet system. Traditional ways of marketing and promotion shall likewise be used through participation/attendance to Domestic and International Sales Mission & Philippine Travelmart. Both local and international twinning/partnerships shall also be established to facilitate exchange and enhancement of culture and resources. Special tour packages for Cavite shall be part of promotion campaigns.

Product Development & Planning Program

This shall include institutionalization of data generation and statistics on tourism through application of systematized monitoring activities. Information derived shall be used as inputs in designing product improvement. Product research and development shall be a vital component of this program. Preparation of proposals for the construction/establishment/expansion of tourist facilities and ancillary services shall also be part of this program. Ingenuity shall be encouraged and exercised to introduce innovation of conceptualized new tourism product which is unique, interesting and captivating to attract investments in the local community.

Eco-Tourism Development Program

Eco-tourism provides opportunity to enjoy nature while maintaining and enhancing the quality of environment. The principle applied in this program is “harmonious interaction between man and land”. At present, a joint effort between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Provincial Government is on the protection, development and management of the 4,000-hectare Mt. Palay-Palay-Mataas na Gulod National Park in Maragondon, Cavite . The main objective of the program is the conservation of the Park's natural scenic areas and biological features while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation within the normal lifestyle and economic activity of the local community. This program could still be expanded in some parts of Ternate , Tagaytay City and other upland areas where natural green resources and special interest natural attractions are still present.

It is vital that a tourism historical and cultural affairs council be created to property tap and manage the tourism resources of the province and make the industry closer to the hearts of the Caviteños by letting the people know the significance of tourism as a major source of income and livelihood.