I'd actually find that hard to argue against.Originally Posted by grahamw48
IMO Philippines is an acquired taste and to some extent it's a taste that, over the years, I've acquired. But make no mistake it's been a very hard road.
The only reason I've stuck to that road is down to the fact that it's the country of my wife and her family. That's why we visit.
I have to say IMO it's never going to be a mainstream tourist destination.
There's a lot to see in the Philippines, but they just don't show it!
It actually has great beaches, great scenery, mostly nice weather and generally friendly people. English is widely spoken and it can be a very relaxing place.
But...
There are hardly any direct flights from Europe and generally the cost of getting there is rather more expensive than to the regular tourist destinations.
There's no major attraction. No 'hook'. You know, a tourist reason to actually go.
No highest building, no great wall, no beautiful temples, no Taj Mahal no pyramids etc. People on this forum have only one reason to go and it's not a tourist reason.
Not much to put on that touristy 'bucket list'.
So what would a real tourist with no strong ties to the country actually find by visiting?
Unless you're prepared to stay for the duration in that luxury spa resort just metres from the cyrstal clears waters of Manila Bay, you'll find the transportation and infrastructure is hopeless. It just never 'cuts the mustard' for those 7-14 day tourist packages. That, after all is where the money is to be made.
Most of SE Asia popular tourist areas originated on the overland backpacker trails.
You just don't find that many backpackers travelling around the Philippines
So I guess there'll never be any newly discovered tourist spots.
