Sagada Reminds Us to Be Responsible Tourists

(SPOT.ph) Even before Sagada's Kiltepan Viewpoint was featured in the 2015 hit film That Thing Called Tadhana, the quiet town in the Mountain Province is already a popular destination among nature-lovers, hikers, and anyone who just want respite from the busy (and traffic-filled) life in the Metro. It's no wonder the mountainous village has seen an influx of tourists over the years. Now that long weekends are upon us, the municipality's local tourism office issued a travel advisory that are "in line with the ongoing process of making Sagada a responsible tourism destination."

Here's the list based on a post issued on December 14:

On tours:

• Tours in and around Sagada must only be run by the local guides' organizations: SEGA, SAGGAS, SETGO, KIGA, ASSETG and BFTAMPGA for Northern Sagada.
• Travel agencies, groups, and individuals must register for tours at the Tourist Information Office.
• There will be a limited number of tourists allowed per site per day, so make sure you book your tours earlier.
• All tours require a guide. All tourist who do not have a guide will not be able to enter the site.

On transport and traffic:

• Only local transport shall be allowed to ferry tours to tourist sites so as not to create traffic in tourist destinations.
• All tourist vehicles are required to park their vehicles all throughout the duration of their stay in their hotel parking area or in pay parking areas and avail of the local transport to visit the different sites.
• Tourists are obliged to walk around town to visit shops, restaurants and nearby tourist spots.

On accommodations:

• Only local government unit-registered and Department of Tourism-accredited hostels/inns/homestays under the Sagada Inns and Hotels Association will be allowed to operate for tourist accommodations.
• Please follow standard prices for accommodation in Sagada. No haggling and no free beds.

On waste management:

• Bring your own refillable water tumblers. Disposable water bottles are not allowed.
• Throw your garbage at designated disposal areas.
• Travel agencies/tour groups must bring out their garbage upon leaving Sagada.