BAGUIO CITY – With an estimated influx of 80,000 tourists during the long weekend from November 24th to 26th, 2023, Baguio City grappled with substantial traffic congestion, causing major disruptions across key attractions.
The surge in visitors, aligned with the launch of the Botanical Garden’s festive “Christmas Metamorphosis,” set the stage for the city’s anticipated month-long celebration, “An Enchanting Baguio Christmas.”
Aloysius Mapalo, the City Tourism Officer, highlighted that the hotel occupancy rates soared between 90 to 100 percent during the weekend, foreseeing a continued surge in tourism throughout December.
However, this surge has come hand in hand with significant challenges, especially concerning traffic.
“Heavy traffic was experienced in major attractions across the city, notably at the Botanical Garden, Camp John Hay, Baguio Country Club Christmas Village, Wright Park, Igorot Stone Kingdom, and Mirador Eco-park,” expressed Mapalo, acknowledging the strain on the city’s infrastructure due to the tourist influx.
The Baguio City Police Office, acknowledging the substantial surge in vehicles during these dates, intensively monitored the traffic situation.
Measures were swiftly adjusted to manage the congestion and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles, albeit with difficulties in some areas.
Despite the city’s allure during the festive season, the sudden surge in tourist arrivals has posed challenges in accurately managing traffic flow.
The City Tourism Office’s recorded tourist arrivals for the year 2023 stood at 787,572 as of October.
However, Mapalo stressed that these figures might not capture all visitors, particularly day tourists or those who did not utilize registered accommodations.
The current count primarily includes visitors who stayed in registered establishments and submitted their occupancy reports.
As Baguio prepares for an eventful December, showcasing a series of captivating events, the city continues to grapple with the need for efficient traffic management to ensure an enjoyable experience for both tourists and locals amidst the bustling holiday season.
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