Is the slight mix of several cultures in the Philippines an advantage or disadvantage to its tourist industry?

Question

Many travellers spend their hard-earned money in or to get that once-in-a-lifetime exotic experience to a totally different world. Others prefer the convinient and familiar. Is the Philippine culture exotic enough to attract droves of cultural tourists away from a tourism leader such as Thailand or are there enough tourists for whom the Philippine culture is a good enough blend?

Answer 1

actually, mix of several cultures in the philippines is an advantage + most filipinos can speak english...only the problem is that the government don't exert much effort to promote the tourism in the philippines...because i've noticed that in thailand they really promote their tourism industry that's why they attract a lot of tourist ;>

Answer 2

If it were up to exotic culture im sure the philippines would be very popular. Alot of people go to Thailand because its on the backpacker route, its easier to get to other countries like Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia. But the Philippines is just that little bit out of the way for most people, you cant get there by land you have to fly. So I think location is the reason why the Philippines will never be as popular as Thailand. Even though it is easier and cheaper place to travel. But I like it that way, traveling through the Philippines you can still get that sense of being in the middle of nowhere so far from anthing you know. Unlike Thailland where you cant go anywhere without meeting another Westener or tourist.

Answer 3

The Philippines are a neglected tourist destination. The beaches are beautiful (as are the Filipinas). The mountains are fantastic. The people are warm and friendly. Costs were very low. From the natural mummies of Baguio to the excitement of Manila, there is something for all there. Of the 40 or so countries I have lived in or visited, I really like The Philippines - near the top of my list. The blending of cultures and eastern/western ideas makes the PI a great place to meet people and learn. The mix of native/Asian/Spanish/American cultures means everybody will find something familiar yet exotic.

Answer 4

it depends on what you're looking for.as i have observed, Filipino's are truly a mix of different cultures. heck, full blooded chinese businessmen who have settled here have been filipinized and call themselves filipinos. Sadly, the filipino people are easily attracted to western culture. that's becasue of it's history. Philippines has been colonized by different countries simultaneously. the true filipino culture had been adjusted from the very beginning. so the exotic feel of tribal filipinos then are lost. the kind of culture that dominates in the here is similar to the Spanish. Observe the national costume, our traditional houses, our close family ties. This wouldn't have come to be if it weren't for the Spaniards. I think, the Philippines is very westernized. Look at our dominant religion, it is Roman Catholic. As an american, i don't think you wont find it exotic. we now have yellow cab, burgoo, guess, prada, you name it...we have it.
although there is a part in the philippines where it has been untouched by civilization. try visiting the BANAWE RICE TERRACES where the Ifugao's (a tribe) live.

Answer 5

I believe that it totally depends on the tourist him/herself. Just look into yourself, when you go somewhere, you have a purpose, don't you? That would certainly suffice for the tourist, too. If the traveler is going to a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience, they will go and seek it out...they will not spend their entire vacation time in Manila, but go out into the provinces where time has stood still or at least slowed down a little enough provide a glimpse of what the Philippines used to be before "industrialization" set in.

An addition of various other cultures would not impede the visitor if only for the fact that he or she will just have more options to choose from when deciding what to "take in".

Answer 6

I am an an American, and have been to the Phils three times, and will soon go back. I do hope the tourist commission will get off their ,,,,,chair,,,,and promote tourism. There are so many places to go, yet with pretty much zero publicity, unless you go to China air office, in Manilla, and see THEIR advertisements. It is surely cheaper to go there, than almost any other country, and have jungles, volcanos, beaches, culture, history, ( nice girls) I have plans to retire there in 4 more years,, ( still looking for the right place.)( and the right gal) I do love the mix of cultures, food, looks. hand me the pancet?

Answer 7

I think its an advantage coz we are all mixed up and can be flexible to anyone but hence its not the culture that the foreigners are attracted to go back to the Phil but its beauty alone the people are just plus factor..

Answer 8

we've been exposed to many cultures. In fact, it's not difficult for many Filipinos to blend with other people because foreign nationals have been a part of our day-to-day history since the beginning of time. With this fact, it's not difficulf for a Filipino to adjust to a new environment. For you information, we had two different kinds of foreigners in the past: traders and invaders. Up to this time, you can find this two kinds of people. Now, where do you belong?

Answer 9

you reckon? yes i think so. the mixed culture in the philippines could be an advantage. partly because, foreigners would find it easier to go to places where their fellows have been to. and partly because others are a bit adventurous somehow so they try new and exciting places which they've only seen from the media.

Answer 10

i think for the average middle class american, the philippines is the best place to vacation, you get way more for you money, and you can appreciat the hard work of most of the people, pluse they ladies are cute. :) and its just a wonderful place,