Money in tourism

I give a standing ovation to the award winning eco-tourism destination in the province of Benguet-Itogon. Not because I have roots here, but as an intern student I witnessed the municipality bear fruits for the consecutive years. 
The boosting of small business establishments is unknowingly earning a desirable income giving benefit to the municipality.
As an eco-tourism destination, it is undeniable that the different types of income for a community coming from the wage earnings, share earnings, rates, levies and business income are generating and increasing. Since visitors are flocking the area, there is direct spending giving a positive impact on the business profitability and employment growth. When number of visitors increase, the needs and expectations sprung, thus leading to creation of new business and commercial activities. Because the municipality is still considered as a rural community, employment is still needed by most of the residents, prior to that, raising small business is an opportunity to earn a living.
The 1300 level swimming pool being visited regularly by different people of all walks, from Baguio and even lowland places. Some of them stay for a night or more . Though cottages are offered in the swimming pools, housing services are still needed.
I remember the first time I visited the place, I was 10 then. There were only few store owners and jitneys bound for Itogon to Baguio. Now, there is an increase of community facilities including transportation services. You can reach Poblacion Itogon anytime you want even riding on taxi. A 36 peso fare in a jitney is fair enough for a student like me who seeks adventure. 
There are also sporting activities organized, one of which is the Summer climb  at Mt. Ugo organized internationally in partnership with the Municipal Tourism Office. 
As to preserving the cultural heritage of the municipality, there is a tourist spot in Poblacion which is the Ave Maria. It was believed that the first Christians are solemnized there. When we promote Ave Maria, it means we include the story why is it called by its name. Including Mt. Ugo, it is also from the Ibaloi word “Uguan” meaning to slit in the throat it was later renamed as Ugo after the series of killings by the busol or headhunters. The place is also famous because of the assassination of the Spanish Secretary General Juanchito. 
The community then must raise their awareness and stay proud of their municipality knowing that other people, locally and internationally have visited and praised the place. This considerably boost a community’s collective ego.
That’s why I see tourism in the municipality a tool to enrich its, economic, social and environmental sector. It also supported growth in other sectors like transport, agriculture, retailing and construction; thus, creating an avenue for business development equals to a more progressive Itogon.