THE Baguio Christmas Market at Rose Garden in Burnham Park is one of the tourist destinations this holiday season in Baguio City. (Zaldy Comanda)
BAGUIO CITY – This city is ready for the influx of tourists of tourists this holiday season, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said.
Magalong said they have prepared traffic management plans and implemented safety and security measures.
He said police visibility have been stepped up in key areas and emergency response teams have been strategically deployed to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists and residents.
"We are ready, there is no problem with that. The real challenge is traffic because our roads are too small. That is why we are introducing the Smart Urban Mobility System so that we can fix it," Magalong said.
Magalong said the influx of visitors have been felt as early as Monday, Dec. 1, with the start of the city's holiday activities such as the lighting of the Christmas tree on Upper Session Road and the traditional SLU Lantern Parade.
“We also saw that tourists visit every day, especially last long weekend, so it is certain that there will be more in the coming days, especially as we continue to feel the cold, so our police are preparing for traffic and the safety of each and every one,” Magalong added.
Magalong noted that tourist arrivals have decreased compared to previous years possibly due to the current economic situation.
He reminded tourists to remain cautious while exploring the city, wear jackets as the temperature continues to drop, and call 911 in case of emergencies.