From 1990 to the first strike of 2000, Baguio City undeniably remained as the prime tourist destination area in North Luzon. The City has accounted for almost 85 percent of tourist arrivals to the Cordillera Region. Baguio City is also the gateway to other tourist destinations in the North. Almost always, tourists either come to the City only or pass through on their way to other places in the Cordillera - Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Apayao, Kalinga, and Mt. Province. This highlights the strategic role that Baguio City plays in the region's tourism industry.

The cool climate and fresh green and peaceful environment, not elsewhere found in other destinations in the Philippines and of which the city is noted, makes it a favorite destination especially for those who would like to relax and stay away from the excessive heat of the lowlands. This is the strongest selling point of the city that makes it also the favorite venue of seminars and conferences.

Aside from its climate and green environment, the City also boasts of tourist attractions. Parks and gardens also abound in the City. Most of these are developed and maintained by the City Government. The City also hosts events and festivals that continue to attract visitors to the City, most notably the annual Flower Festival or Panagbenga that is celebrated in February.

The City's main attraction however is still its natural bounties of cool climate, panoramic vistas, its pine forests, generally clean environs, and its people's warmth.

Today, Baguio still boasts of 5 forest reserves with a total area of 434.77 hectares. Three of these areas are watersheds that serve as sources of the City's water supply.

Of the city's total land area, only 467.5 hectares (8.1percent) still have old growths of pine while 1,137.5 hectares (19.8 percent) have reproduction pine stands and 122.5 hectares (2.1percent) are brush lands. The remaining area of 4,021.1905 hectares making up 70.0 percent of the toal comprises the developed portion. There are 78 tourism related facilities operating with a total of 2,772 lettable rooms. These tourist facilities employ about 1.500 persons. Tourist arrivals also reflect an increasing trend reaching a record high of 986,347 in 2000. Figures reflect a 12.71 annual average growth rate from 1990-2000. Domestic tourists make up 96.14 percent of our tourists followed by foreigners and balikbayans. This trend indicates Baguio's prominence as a place of interest to see from amoung tourist destinations nationwide. The natural ambience and abundance of scenic panorama, including its cool climate, remain an integral and indispensable pull factor for local tourism industry.

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Obtaining a passport can be a tedious and time consuming process if one doesn't take care to obtain the necessary requirements to apply for one. Besides the different traveling agencies that offering passport assistance services, the nearest agency that processes passports is the Department of Foreign Affairs located in San Fernando La Union. Click here to view the latest requirements and frequently asked questions regarding passport processing.

Looking for a place where you could leave all your cares behind? Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines promises a haven to anyone who seeks its comfort. With its numerous tourist attractions and panoramic scenes and invigorating pine scented fresh air it seeks to provide a respite to any traveler, a hideaway to the romantics and respite to the weariest soul. Capture this one of a kind feeling as you browse through the vivid and vibrant scenes of the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

Aside from taking in the sights, sound and scents of the City of Pines, visitors will find no want of fun and festivity in Baguio. Tribal festivals afford insights into the culture of the hardy mountain tribes who have held onto their own proud heritage despite a certain degree of assimilation and acculturation. Every November, the Grand Canao is held - a thanksgiving celebration in the highland tradition wherein animals are ritually slaughtered then roasted before being set on the festive table. Much merrymaking accompanies the feasting and drinking of the tapuey or rice wine, as games such as tug-of-war, spear-throwing, variations of arm, leg, and body wrestling, and even a hut-building contest are held in time-honored contests of strength, strategy and endurance. The event also highlights indigenous songs, dances and ceremonies of the different peoples of the Cordilleras.