Gigaquit Tourism and Economic Development

CONCEPT PAPER (rough draft)
Prepared by Steven Egay

Background:

Owing to its remote location and being prone to typhoon, Gigaquit is not an ideal place to put up a manufacturing industry. The only chance of progress is in using modern methods and technology in agricultural production.

On the other hand, Gigaquit is endowed with beautiful natural attractions. It has beautiful beaches, islands and even potential diving spot. It has a cave that is endowed with unique formations. It has a river from Baoy to Doot with potential for sports tourism. Also, it has unique cultural heritage like the minoros and jinawa plays. Furthermore, it has a unique and famous product … the Gigaquit wine.


Tourism and economic development:

Owing to the advancement of telecommunications, roads and transportation systems, tourism is now a booming industry that is continuously growing worldwide. Many places now owe their development through the numerous visitors flocking to their areas.


Gigaquit Tourism:

Who will benefit?

1. Transportation sector – habal habal, van and jeepney operations. Pump boat operators.

2. Food sector – farmers, fish and other food vendors, cooks, fishpond operations and others.

3. Inns and hostels – Gigaquit townhouse, pastoral center, other enterprising Gigaquitnons offering bed and breakfast service

4. Tour Guides

5. Retail sector – mga tindahan and sari-sari stores.

6. Government – from fees and licenses

7. Others


Sample case:

A group comes to Gigaquit for sightseeing

1. they use local vehicles to go around (transport sector benefits)

2. they probably hire tour guides especially for island hopping and cave exploring

(tour guides benefit)

3. they buy food and drinks for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Buy Gigaquit

Wine too. (food sector benefits)

4. they buy e-loads to call/text friends and probably buy some clothes which they

forgot to bring (retail sector benefits)

they stay for the night or several days (inns and hostels benefits)

all the above establishments pay the government for licenses. And government

may collect fees from government-owned attractions like cave exploring. (Government benefits and have additional income to be used for public service, e.g. health services)


How to promote tourism in Gigaquit?

1. Coordinate with GCC to promote the municipality via Gigaquit Online.

2. Coordinate with companies, schools and other institutions in Surigao City, Butuan City and other cities willing to hold educational tours, company outings, conferences and other events in Gigaquit.

3. Advertise via local radio and newspapers.

4. Hold big events to entice people to visit Gigaquit. Aside from Fiestas, utilize the indigenous culture and products like Jinawa Festival, Wine Festival, etc.


Originally posted by Steve Egay at http://gigaquitnons.ning.com/