Tourism in Puerto

After the unfortunate politcal events that took place here in 2001, Puerto Princesa City suffered a down turn in tourism, which is only now again on the upswing. The brochure published by the City Tourism Department is full of proud local festivals, arts and crafts and eco-tourism destinations and adventures. The tourist season is in full swing from May through July, and again at Christmas. Times in between, like now, you only occasionally see someone foreign (which means I stick out like a sore thumb). Many of the tourist destinations which are advertised through travel agents are outside of the city center such as the famous Underground River which tunnels its way under the entire island. There are a few diving resorts and wilderness hikes, but much of what attracts visitors to Palawan is outside of Puerto Princesa. Within the city there are a small collection of pensions and about three decent hotels.

Despite the advertising to foreigners to come and enjoy the natural splendor, there seems to be little in place to encourage them to stay in the city. The hotels, as far as I've seen don't have a lot of information about local products and there is certainly no good information to inform visitors where they might find these items. Visitors, even less than locals will be very unaware of the OTOP designation, and only may stumble upon these goods when making their way through the local market. There seems to be a little cross promotion with resorts. I have heard that some local resorts, buy local products at the market and then sell them at a premium to guests. Although, this is not uncommon anywhere, it is doing little to help the local processor at the ground level, who is making little off of this transaction.

I would love to see the city take the initiative to directly communicate to visitors about their local goods, and encourage them in a more convincing way, that they would be missing out if they leave without trying these delicacies. (see more photos)