Project Title & Location
THE CORDILLERA TOURISM MASTER PLAN
Cordillera Administrative Region

Client
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
DOT Building, T.M. Kalaw, Manila

Project Completion
June 1995

Associated Firms
Orient Integrated Development Consultants, Inc.
Transportas Consulting

Services Provided
- Identification, coding and organizaiton of tourist sites
- Inventory of tourism sites
- Spatial clustering
- Phasing of site development
- Long-term eco-tourism programme
- Strategic policies and programs for policy makers
- Feasibility studies

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is a landlocked regional politico-administrative unit consisting of the provinces of Kalinga, Apayao, Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Mt. Province and Baguio City. Scenic landscapes enhanced by cultural diversity are among the most unique and breathtaking tourism assets at CAR. The study of regional travels in the Philippines show that one of the primary factors that influenced increase in local tourism visits are the natural attraction of the places. Studies also show an emerging market for nature- and culture-based tourism.

The Cordillera Tourism Master Plan adopts culture and nature as its main thrust. This vision for tourism development in the region embodied in the concept of eco-tourism. With the growing desire of the indigenous community for change and to modernize, eco-tourism is pursued in combination and complementation with other tourism values as well as land uses that can be absorbed in the extant environments of Cordillera's villages and towns. Cluster development approach is used as a vital planning tool.

The Master Plan aims to provide a framework and firm direction for the government, the local communities with the assistance of private initiatives, in developing the tourism industry in the region.

The study area totals 1,829,368 hectares with a 1995 estimated population of 1,145,880 persons. The plans to be implemented under a 15-year timeframe will cost P63.4 B, most of which will be spent for infrastructure development.