22 December 2009

PhilippinesÃ¢â¬â¢ latest tourist attraction a hot one

Tourists have been flocking to the Philippines’ newest unusual travel attraction: the ongoing eruption of the Mayon Volcano, which forced the evacuation of 50,000 residents in the Legazpi City area.

"As visitors continue to arrive in the province, the local safety and emergency management office has designated strategic viewing places in the areas surrounding the volcano," reports Digitaljournal.com.

Are tourists worried about the potential dangers of hot lava? No, say tourism officials.

Cedric Daep of the local safety and emergency office said that a large part of the city is safe from the anticipated full-blown eruption.

"Only a portion of the city is in the danger zone. Legazpi City is too far. It’s 16 kilometers away from the crater," Daep said.

The government is encouraging more tourists to visit the province to watch the hazardous eruption of the picturesque, near perfect cone-shaped volcano.

Alert level number 3 is now in effect and remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano as thousands of families have been evacuated from the 8-kilometer danger zone.

The majestic Mayon Volcano is a favorite tourist attraction because of its perfect cone shape and beautiful surrounding views, according to news reports.

The volcano is located in southern Luzon Philippines and accessible by land, sea and air travel. Flying time from Manila to Legaspi airport in Albay where the volcano is located is approximately one hour.

By David Wilkening