LUNA, Apayao – The Lussok Cave, a popular tourist site in Dagupan in this town has been the province’s highest revenue-generating tourist destination, according to data issued by the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) Apayao for 2023, generating about PhP815,159 thousand in receipts last year.
Tourists say they frequent the place due to its unique stalactite and stalagmite formations, complemented by refreshing surroundings, an underground river with crystal-clear water that leads out into a blue lagoon excellent for boating, kayaking, and swimming.
As of this year, the PTO said the Lussok cave attracted 8,836 thousand tourists from the months of January to June 2024, with a total collection of PhP566,677.
The Office said, 30% of total income generated is given to the barangay, 30% to the municipality, and 40% to the province.
The success of the Lussok Cave has also encouraged economic activity in the surrounding area, with local businesses profiting from the increased number of tourists.
“We are glad to witness that the revenue from the Lussok Cave reach such an amount and this proves our province’s tireless efforts to promote sustainable tourism and develop our tourism industry has been achieved,” said PTO Rebecca T. Mamba.
“We see the successes of Lussok Cave as not just a success for our tourism but has become a symbol for the commitment of our province towards the preservation of our environment and cultural heritage for the future generations. We look forward with excitement to more continuous growth and development of our tourism sector for the benefit of both our guests and our people,” she added.
Governor Elias Bulut, meantime, reaffirmed his support for the province’s tourism industry.
Since the province was recognized by UNESCO as Fourth Biosphere Reserve, Gov. Bulut directed the province’s tourism department to boost tourism destinations, its services, products, visitor experiences, as well as infrastructure that highlight the distinctive natural resources and wildlife.
Along with Apayao developments, the tourism industry is expected to accelerate the province’s economic growth. By Joyce Arian Soria
