"Naga Excursions" launched to boost Metro Naga tourism

NAGA CITY --- With the end goal of strengthening its position as a premiere tourism destination, Metro Naga, an alliance of sixteen local government units at the core of Camarines Sur with Naga as its flagship city, launched March 22 this year, a new brand of tourism called “Naga Excursions.”

Naga Excursions, or simply Naga X, is anchored on the colorful, vibrant and nurturing environment of Metro Naga.  The same concepts were also behind the festive mood at the launching of the brand at the historic Plaza Rizal of this city.

Naga X presents tourism packages that are diverse and satisfying, and appeals to a wide range of visitors - including groups of friends and family members out for fun and adventure, devotees who wish to reconnect with or strengthen their faith, and professional, civic, religious groups and organizations who wish to hold their meetings and conventions in a place that affords urban comforts while providing easy access to a wide array of attractive destinations.

With the newly-created Metro Naga Association of Travel and Tour Operators (MENATTO), the Arts Culture and Tourism Office (ACTO) of Naga City, the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) and the Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC) as driving forces behind it, the formal launching also brought to the fore unique aspects an important features of Naga X.

Local therapists using Magarao massage, a kalesa ride, the performance by theater artists of parts of a play depicting the devotion to the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, and the choice of venue, the historic Plaza Rizal, decked with buntings and lit up with pyrotechnics - all highlighted the colors and local flavors that figure prominently in Naga X.

Booths featuring destinations and participating service establishments provided guests and onlookers with a foretaste of the Naga X tour packages that cover eco-adventures, pilgrimage, heritage tours and island excursions.  Newly opened attractions were also offered including rides on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and exciting routes by the foot of Mt. Isarog, as well as zip line rides, wall climbing and many other fun activities at popular resorts in upper Naga. 

Naga Mayor John G. Bongat, who is also the MNDC chairperson, has been personally pushing for the development of key areas in Metro Naga which have high potential as tourist magnets.

Underscoring the power of tourism to generate jobs and investments, thus bringing more livelihood opportunities and income for residents in Metro Naga, Bongat called on the community to support tourism-friendly initiatives.

Meanwhile, stakeholders have been called to step up to the challenge of bringing quality tour packages to a fast-growing industry amidst the continuing rise of Naga and Camarines Sur as premiere tourist destinations.

Providing the energy for the thrust to bring responsive tourism to the fore are Metro Naga tour operators who have formed an organization to better serve a growing clientele.

“Metro Naga is colorful as it is the center of the biggest Marian festivity in Southeast Asia. Metro Naga is also considered to be the best place to experience the colorful Bicolano life – spicy, expressive and diverse,” according to Lewis Boni, president of the Metro Naga Association of Travel and Tour Operators (MENATTO), the association which is in the forefront of operating tour packages under Naga X.

"We at MENATTO recognize Metro Naga's potential to draw in visitors and experience the distinctive pleasures Metro Naga can provide," Boni added as he noted the enthusiasm brought in by different service sectors into the alliance.  

With Naga as one of the fastest growing economies in the country, accounting for more than 21% of the total investments in Bicol, Naga X also features Metro Naga’s modern amenities and vibrant lifestyle.

To avail of the tour packages, interested tourists may visit www.nagax.com, “like” www.facebook.com/nagaexcursions, email tourism@naga.gov.ph, or call (054) 473-4432.