THE Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) has posted a record high of 4.5 million tourist arrivals during the first half of 2002, which has been assessed by a special government agency as "a tremendous increase of 160%" after it compared the figure to the 1.7 million tourist arrivals during the same period last year.

Quoting Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chair, Felicito Payumo, the Presidential Commission for the Central Luzon Growth Corridor (PCCLGC) said that "much of this increase can be attributed to the growing number of eco-tourism attractions in Subic."

"The ecozone has successfully combined the industrial functions of the freeport and its attraction as a tourist destination, luring in visitors not only from the nearby provinces, but from other countries as well," added the commission overseeing investment and economic activities in Region 3.

It pointed out that among the "top attractions" of Subic are the Ocean Adventure, the first of its kind marine theme park in the country; the Grande Island, which is being developed into a major hotel and beach resort; and Subic’s Extreme Adventure facilities, which caters to "daring weekend warriors."

The PCCLGC said that further contributing to the dramatic increase in tourist arrivals in Subic was the 1^st National Open Tennis Tournament. It added that the International Formula 3 Racing event will also be held at the freeport zone later this year.

At the same time, the commission said that chartered flights being provided by UniAir for the air route between Subic and Kaohsiung in Taiwan boosted not only Subic’s tourism industry, but also that of Olongapo City, and the provinces of Zambales and Bataan.

The PCCLGC said that the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) also presently accommodates four other weekly chartered flights being respectively provided by AirAsia, Far Eastern Air Transport, Philippine Air Lines and Air Philippines.

The Legenda Hotel, moreover, has chartered flight to Subic from Shenzen, China and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.