The tourism is one of the main industries of the Philippines

April 3, 2013 - PRLog -- Republic of the Philippines has more than 7000 tropical islands in Southeast Asia and has natural beaches, rich flora and fauna and other recreational resources.

Historical and cultural references
The modern culture of the Philippines combines Asian base with significant direct Western ( Spanish and American ) influence, as a result of the colonial past, with the secondary Latin American influence because of the occurrence in the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Western tourists are attracted by the religious community (Philippines - one of only two (along with East Timor ) Catholic countries in Asia) and the prevalence of English in the Philippines.

History
Mass tourism in the Philippines began in 1970. Attendance rate rose slightly to the mid-1980s, the rapid growth in popularity of the Philippines began in the early 1990s. In 2008, the Philippines visited 4 million tourists. Philippine Department of Tourism predicts a doubling of traffic by 2014.

Types of tourism

Beach Holidays
The most popular beach holiday regions in the Philippines are the island of Boracay, the coast of the province of La Union, the island of Cebu (and Mactan), Bohol (and Panglao ) and others. http://www.whatsnewph.com/

Nature tourism
The Philippines is a popular destination of ecotourism. In many areas, nature reserves and national parks to carry out environmental programs, birdwatching and aquatic animals, and so on. Famous trend of eco-tourism is the island of Palawan to the region of El Nido and the Underground River in Puerto Princesa.

Diving and snorkelling

Philippines - favored approach recreational diving world level. Part of the popular dive sites, such as Reef Tubbataha in the Sulu Sea, reachable only during a dive safari with accommodation on board, many regions practiced Daily diving with local boats, "the bank." In many affordable Philippine waters for diving shipwrecks. The most famous wreck diving regions: the Gulf of Coron (Palawan province) and Subic Bay (island of Luzon ).

Activities
In the Philippines, popular tours and mountain climbing volcanoes and and other types of active and adventure holidays.

Points of interest

• White Beach on the island of Boracay
• Intramuros  - Spanish fortress in Manila
• Baguio  - Mountain Resort
• Rice terraces in Banaue
• Chocolate Hills of the island of Bohol
• Tomb of Magellan in Cebu
• The historic center of Vigan
• Volcano Taal
• Volcano Mayon
• Underground River in Puerto Princesa
http://www.whatsnewph.com/
Events
In the Philippines, the large number of both national and regional holidays and festivals that serve to event tourism. Also, tourists are attracted by such events as the beauty contest " Miss Earth ", sporting events and so on.

Shopping
Shopping  - one of the purposes of tourists. The prices of products are comparable to the prices in Thailand and China. In the Philippines, there are three from the list of the largest shopping centers in the world: SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA.

Health and Medical Tourism
The Philippines is one of the main destinations in Asia Medical Tourism. The popularity of this type of travel and the predicted potential for medical tourism in the Philippines due to the low cost of medical services at a fairly high quality staff. Campaign development of medical tourism is conducted Department of Philippine tourism in 1998.