After the Underground River of Puerto Princesa was included in the new 7 wonders of the world, authorities in the city are now expecting that the number of visiting tourist will start to rise.
Even before the provisional list of the new 7 wonders was announced, officials have said that being included in the nominees of the seven wonders of natures have made a great impact to the tourism of Puerto Princesa, in fact, Mayor Edward Hagedorn have said that the number of the tourist visiting the river was doubled since then.
In the last four years, record of the department of tourism in Puerto Princesa suggests that from 160,000 visitors in the year 2007 it rose to 425,000 in 2010 proving the popularity of the tourist spot.
Although the city has gained popularity around the world, authorities are still aware they don’t have enough infrastructures and establishment to accommodate the possible large number of tourist to come in the city.
Mayor Hagedorn said that they were not expecting the honor and pride that their city is experiencing right now after the Underground River was included in the new 7 wonders of the world and so they are trying their best to make the necessary changes needed by the city, especially the infrastructure to serve the visitors of the Subterranean River.
As of now, authorities are aware that they are running out of rooms in Puerto Princesa and so Hagedorn is expecting that somehow within three years span, the city can build and develop hotels that will accommodate visitors to come in the Underground River.
Hagedorn also expressed that even though organizers said that there are possible changes in the final list of the new 7 wonders of the world before it will be announced next year 2012, he is confident that the country gave the full support that the Underground River needed to enter in the prestigious list. He also extended his thanks to the government officials who helped campaigned, especially to President Aquino who initiated it.