Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has mapped-out an ambitious three-year plan to develop the Central Philippines as a “Super Tourism Region.”

Central Philippines spans over nearly 100,000 square kilometers and covers Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Mindanao, Northern Mindanao and Caraga. Tourists have been frequenting this region for its beaches. According to the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT), seven of the country’s 10 most visited beaches are found in Central Philippines, specifically in Cebu, Alkan, Negros Occidental, Sorsogon, Samar, Palawan and Romblon including Boracay Island, known around the world for its pristine, long white sandy beaches.

The Philippine president first unveiled the idea of a super tourism region last year in her state of the nation address. She has allocated a budget of US$1.69 billion over the next three years to fund various programs designed to increase tourism to Central Philippines, according to the PDOT.

“With infrastructure development in the Central Philippine region, the livelihood and progress of Filipinos will be enhanced, and there will be more sustainable development focusing on the environment, as well as the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage,” Philippine Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said. “In turn, these developments will further our tourism goals by correcting false perceptions and improving our image in the international spotlight.”

The PDOT says the Philippines has a “significant tourism advantage over its Asian neighbors due to its long white beaches, rich coastal and marine resources, diverse ecosystems, vast forest reserves and well-preserved historical landmarks, as well as the natural warmth of the Filipino people.”

Philippines’ tourism department has found that the Western Visayas region receives the largest share of the Central Philippines’ tourism revenue with US$635 million in 2005, followed by Central Visayas with an annual US$585 million.

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