Sander Fuentes October 31, 2019

Ph Tourism, Geography, and Culture

Vigan Case Study

1. What was the case study all about?

The Vigan case study presents a timeline of events of underdeveloped Vigan

to the well and progressive Vigan today. It discusses the original state of Vigan
where many ignored problems existed that were the causes of several issues within
the city during that time and then presented the plans of action that the city initiated
to develop the city into a progressive and economically sustainable environment
that it is today.

2. Describe Vigan before it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vigan city had a legacy of political instability, private armies and political
violence, out-migration of business, and decay of the historic district before it
became an UNESCO World Heritage Site. There were traditional industries that
declined during this time and the public market was destroyed by a fire. There was
lack of proper allocation of scarce resources leading to a rise of economic crises.

3. Cite 5 actions taken by the government and stakeholders that worked in the development
of the city.

5 actions taken by the government and stakeholders that worked in the

development of the city:

1. Local Government and stakeholders developed a clear a clear and objective

driven vision and action plan as a tool for development.

2. Strengthen the sense of identity and pride of the citizens in their historic city
and invested in a program of research and education across the city.

3. Forge local and international linkages to address limited resources

4. Embed the approach into long-term policy and management of the city – so
short-term political changes do not disrupt the momentum.

5. Develop Vigan as a tourism destination that enriches and conserves the

people’s core values and traditions, as well as sustaining their livelihoods.

4. What was the challenge while these plans were being laid out?

The implementation alone of these action plans was a challenge in itself.

These action plans were highly influential and affected the whole city and the
 communities around. These brought big changes to the city and to bring these
changes upon the city was a huge challenge to overcome. There was a great deal of
efforts to economically sustain the city and in also the conservation of the heritage
within the city where various studies and researches that need to be conducted in
order to strengthen and enable a conservative city that is conscious of its heritage.
This also had. The challenge of involvement of its community and I believe that
with this being part of the plans it was bound to encounter apathetic communities
that can hinder the progress of the development plans of the city considering that
the involvement of these communities is needed for these plans.

5. What was done to get the support of the community?

The government and stakeholders of the city, in order to get the support of
the community, focused on the things people needed most as priorities. These were
better roads, clean water, waste systems, business opportunities, and better
education. They considered the needs of the community particularly of the poorest
members of the community by developing the infrastructures to enable tourism
development. They brought opportunity within the reach of these communities and
enabled them to progress and take part of the development of the city.

6. What lessons can we take from this?

Of the may action plans that were presented in this case study and the
solutions the solutions that come along these action plans, one of which we can
emphasize brought massive impacts that some would have not anticipated to be.
This would be the tourism initiative that had big impacts on the development of the
city. Based on the results of the case study, visitor numbers have climbed from
76,000 in 2009 to 335,000 in 2012. This means that there was a rise of 22.69% in
the city’s tourist arrivals. Consequently, poverty rate has fallen from 45.5% in 1995
to 9% in 2013 and the city finances have recovered and now stand at 292 million
Pesos (up from 27 million in 1995).

Tourism can bring bountiful opportunities for the development of

communities. It offers people the chance to explore the world and at the same time
brings progress to the economy of societies that engage in tourism. Tourism enables
a social cohesive society and a sustainable and progressive economy.