Albay tosses environment, family via tourism fest

LEGAZPI CITY – The Albay province in the Philippines is emphatic on families and safe habitats to promote tourism as a cornerstone for lasting and a sturdy economy, officials say.

Now on its 2nd year celebration of the ‘Karangahan’ Albay Green Christmas 2012, showcases environment friendly slew of events derived from the term Karangahan which means, jubilation.

United Nation’s first global senior champion for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, Joey Salceda, who is also the current governor of Albay province, said Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas encourages Albayanos and even foreign visitors, the use of organic and indigenous materials for decoration and Christmas trees while the use of plastic materials and firecrackers are strictly prohibited.

Karangahan sa Pasko: Green Christmas is a month-long celebration in the province and expected to generate domestic and foreign tourists arrivals.

One of the highlights during the opening on December 1 is the lighting of giant Christmas tree mounted by 5,000 Pili seedlings.

Aside from promotion of Christmas decors made from indigenous materials, a food fair is ought to promote the Albay Culinary recipes.

The Provincial Tourism Office is expecting an increase of 30 percent of tourist arrivals in the province by the end of December this year.

In 2012 Albay registered a total of 299,363 domestic and foreign tourists. Last year the tourism office reported a total of 350,629 tourists arrivals or an increase of 51,266 visitors compared in 2010.

Ms. Dorothy Colle , provincial tourism officer is optimistic that this year’s Karangahan sa Pasko will yield another 20 percent increase in the tourist arrivals for the province of Albay. - RMN