Experts suggest that the northernmost province of the Philippines, Batanes, could follow Bhutan’s example to enhance its tourism appeal. Batanes is renowned for its natural landscapes, vibrant Ivatan culture, and deep-rooted hospitality from centuries of traditions. The province is seen as an untapped gem that could develop into a premier travel destination by leveraging its unique offerings and focusing on exclusivity, similar to Bhutan’s successful tourism model.

Low-impact Yet High-value Tourism
Introducing a tourism strategy that limits visitors might amplify revenue per tourist, as Bhutan has demonstrated. As Florence Rivera remarks, “Batanes is even more beautiful than Bhutan. They have the highest peaks in the world. But here you have rolling hills, you have beautiful mountains, you have a culture to be proud of.”

Furthermore, she underscores that Batanes can thrive not through mass tourism but by attracting discerning travelers seeking a serene and authentic experience. Rivera’s Vision: “People should know more about the community and about the place and the people. It’s time for the Philippines to have a destination like this, we don’t need a lot of visitors.”