Intramuros: A tourist destination

We’re glad that Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon has given priority to Intramuros.

Festivals, street parties and other activities or “pakulo” are now programmed to lure more tourists to visit the area.

But we would like to suggest that a long-term master plan be made to make Intramuros a highlight for tourists to experience Philippine lifestyle and culture.

Recently, the historic Walled City of Intramuros was transformed into one huge cultural stage in celebration of the Visit Philippines 2003.

The transformation of Intramuros is the brainchild of Secretary Gordon, urging the present generation to veer away from the old concept about the Old Walled City as the Department of Tourism (DOT) has chosen Intramuros to be the venue of “Best of the Regions”- a year-long event for the “Visit Philippines 2003”.

It will be recalled that the DOT celebrated “Japan night” last month at Intramuros as part of the festivities for Visit Philippines 2003.

Japan, which is one of the country’s major markets in terms of tourist arrivals, was the first featured country in Intramuros.

Japan remains to be the Philippines’ second largest tourist generator.

We mentioned in one of our columns that there is an urgent need to rehabilitate and revitalize Intramuros and make it a must- see destination for all visitors. A tour of Intramuros is an experience of the lifestyle that dates back from the 17th century.

No way can we promote Intramuros when there are squatters residing within its walls.

Safety, security, cleanliness and orderliness should be on top of the agenda to make it an attractive destination.

Plans for the squatter relocation is in place and improvement of the historical site is being undertaken. Then and only then can we encourage investments.

The rehabilitation and development of Intramuros can entice investments and donations to enable us to regain Philippine artifacts from Spain, Japan and the US.

Our visitors can enjoy whole day programs within the walls, at their own leisure and pace. Sound and light shows in our living history can be experienced, with our vast culture presented through cuisine, and arts projected through dance, theater and song festivals. Businessmen could be encouraged to set up hotels, courier shops, cafes, bars and restaurants in the area.

A round of applause for Secretary Gordon.