The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) expects around 4,400 tourists from December 23, 2019, to January 3 next year.
Jan Elmer Badilla, PPSRNP information officer said Thursday they expect local and foreign tourists to flock this world-famous site during the holidays.
“Diyan dumadagsa ‘yong mga turista natin pagdating ng mismong holiday natin, ng Christmas at New Year season. Kaya nga hindi tayo nagsasara ng operations natin kahit Christmas o New Year kasi diyan talaga ‘yong dagsa ng mga tao,” said Badilla.
“Tinatawag nga natin na peak season talaga kasi nga andaming holidays, ang daming long weekend, ine-expect natin na mas maraming turista talaga ‘yong pupunta. So with that, talagang kumbaga naka-heightened alert lahat, hindi lang kami, [kundi] pati coast guard, pati ‘yong Sabang Sea Ferry,” he added.
He stated they expect 1,200 visitors each day within the span of 12 days, which is from December 23 this year to January 3, 2020.
Badilla explained further that unless there will be some tour cancellations due to unexpected rough weather conditions, the management will only cater 1,200 guests per day to observe the park’s carrying capacity.
“Halimbawa magka-cancel tayo sa [December] 23, [the next day] sa 24 [ay] 1,500 ang i-a-accommodate na guests,” he said.
He said the management will continue its regular operations during the whole holiday season including December 25 and January 1.
Badilla also invited the tourists to follow their official Facebook page for further updates.
“Una sa lahat Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa lahat ng mga turista natin na pupunta sa Underground River. Ang hiling lang natin na sana ay mas maging mapag-pasensya sa ating mga empleyado ngayong holiday season dahil nga medyo hindi natin matansya ‘yong lagay ng pagdagsa ng mga bisita [at] lagay ng panahon,” Badilla said.