The Department of Tourism (DoT) in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), which includes the picturesque island of Batanes, has discouraged tourists from engaging in “do-it-yourself” (DIY) travel, warning that it may result in less than favorable experiences.

“Batanes is not for DIY travelers. They should coordinate with our available tour operators and tour guides because traveling alone may ruin their stay. The average number of days needed to explore the islands is five. Without proper guidance, they might get lost, which is why they need assistance from the tourism office,” said DoT 2 Regional director Troy Alexander Miano in an interview.

Apart from Batanes, Region 2 also includes the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.

Earlier, a local government official in Batanes expressed the province’s desire to increase the number of local and international tourists. This effort includes lobbying for more infrastructure projects, such as access roads and cell sites, to be facilitated by the national government.

Miano noted that Batanes offers a variety of accommodations, including accredited homestays, transient houses and budget hotels that warmly welcome tourists. Prices for accommodations range from P5,000 to P9,000 per night.

“Batanes primarily attracts European travelers, as the province has already been introduced to Germany, Austria and Poland. These tourists frequently visit because they have the means. However, we also receive visitors from China, Korea and Japan. Tourists from ASEAN countries, however, remain minimal,” Miano said.

Miano added that the recent visit of ambassadors from Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, who joined the Batanes leg of the DoT’s Philippine Experience Program (PEP), may help promote the province among ASEAN travelers.

During the three-day PEP event, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony assured the local government that he would initiate discussions to encourage budget carrier AirAsia to bring more tourists to Batanes.

The Heritage and Tourism Office of Batanes reported that at least 4,197 travelers have visited the province so far this year. In 2024, Batanes logged over 13,000 tourists.

Luxurious destination

Both the local government and the Batanes tourism office acknowledge that traveling to the island is a luxury, with airfare ranging from P25,000 to P30,000, depending on the season.

“During peak season, from March to May, airfare prices soar due to limited and monopolized flights. Cebu Pacific ceased operations here due to frequent flight cancellations caused by unpredictable weather conditions. That is why we would be grateful if AirAsia considers flying to Batanes,” Miano said.

Currently, only Philippine Airlines operates flights to Batanes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Clark International Airport. There are also flights from Tuguegarao Airport to Basco via SkyPasada, with one-way fares starting at P7,000.

Despite the high costs, Florence Rivera, president of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, suggested that Batanes could adopt Bhutan’s “low-impact, high-value” tourism strategy.

“Bhutan has a model that prioritizes premium tourism, attracting visitors willing to spend more in exchange for an exclusive experience while limiting the number of tourists to ensure higher revenue per visitor. I’ve traveled extensively, and Batanes is even more beautiful than Bhutan. Bhutan may have the highest peaks, but Batanes has rolling hills, breathtaking mountains, and a culture to be proud of,” Rivera said.

DoT regional director Miano agreed, emphasizing that maintaining high travel costs could help preserve Batanes’ tourism standards.

“Sometimes, when a destination is too easy to reach, it loses its exclusivity. That is our advantage. However, Batanes should still be accessible to all Filipinos, so connectivity must be improved. We have already discussed with Cebu Pacific the possibility of resuming flights to Batanes,” Miano said.

Boosting Region 2 tourism

For the entire Region 2, Miano said they aim to double the number of local and foreign tourists, particularly among Gen Z travelers.

“These young travelers have a different perspective on tourism. They are saving up to explore destinations within the country. Despite connectivity issues in Cagayan Valley, Gen Z adventurers don’t mind long travel times. Many take 12-hour bus rides just to reach mainland Cagayan Valley,” he said.

Miano also revealed that the local governments of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino have started prioritizing tourism as a key economic driver, recognizing its potential to supplement their largely agriculture-dependent economies.

“They have only recently realized that tourism plays a significant role in the economic development of their provinces,” Miano said.