Baguio City rolls out aid as tourism slump hits economy

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City government is finalizing an economic plan as tourist arrivals continue to drop amid fuel supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong said.

The plan, crafted with business, tourism, and transport groups, will outline measures to help keep the local economy running amid the slowdown, he said.

As an immediate step, the city has teamed up with 32 transport cooperatives to launch an emergency transport support program to ensure enough public utility jeepneys and reduce long queues.

Under the program, the city will subsidize verified trips and set routes, while cooperatives will deploy units on schedule, especially in the evening, to keep transport services steady despite high fuel costs.

Tourism data show arrivals have dropped by 40% to 50% in recent weeks, with hotel occupancy also falling. Officials warned the decline could reach up to 60%, affecting revenues.

Economic growth has also slowed to 4.4% from 5.6% last year and may dip below 3%, Mr. Magalong said the city will push new strategies, especially to support small businesses, as it deals with the slump and ongoing energy crisis. — Artemio A. Dumlao