Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines | March 29, 2026—In South Cotabato, where destinations like Lake Sebu, Tboli, Polomolok and Tupi draw visitors for their culture and landscapes, rising fuel prices are reshaping how tourism is planned and experienced. For the provincial tourism unit, the challenge is clear: higher travel costs may reduce demand, shorten stays, and increase operating expenses for transport and tourism businesses. But instead of retreating, the province is recalibrating.
Senior Tourism Operations Officer Argie Ryan Asaria said the province is closely monitoring the impact over the next three months, noting early expectations of reduced travel demand, transport sector pressure, and shifts in visitor behavior.
“We expect higher travel costs and shorter stays, but we are also preparing to adjust,” he said. Rather than focusing on volume, South Cotabato is shifting toward value—repositioning its tourism strategy to emphasize experiences over movement.
At the core of this shift is “closer-to-home” tourism, targeting domestic travelers from nearby regions who can reach destinations with less cost. Package tours are also being developed to simplify travel decisions and reduce perceived expenses. But the strongest pivot is toward eco and community-based tourism—low-cost, high-impact experiences rooted in local culture and environment. From “life by the lake” immersions to eco-trails, conservation activities, and indigenous craft workshops, the province is designing tourism that invites visitors not just to see, but to participate.
These immersive experiences focus on hands-on activities, interaction with communities, and deeper cultural connection. Instead of hopping from one destination to another, visitors are encouraged to stay longer in one place—trading movement for meaning. Asaria emphasized that this approach not only responds to rising costs but also aligns with sustainable tourism principles, where benefits flow directly to communities while preserving heritage and natural resources.
A DIY trip from General Santos City Airport to Lake Sebu via bus and van remains a common route. Accommodation ranges from about ₱1,400 per night for two persons to ₱12,000 for larger groups. Food remains affordable, while a lake cruise costs around ₱1,500 for up to 20 persons or ₱600 for joiners. These options allow tourists to manage expenses while still enjoying the destination.
Visitors can join “life by the lake” activities, eco-trails, and conservation efforts, or stay in Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs), where guests pay around ₱600 per night with breakfast. These experiences offer hands-on participation, interaction with local communities, and cultural immersion.
In Lake Sebu alone, travelers can engage with three National Living Treasures: chanting master Rosie Sula, brasscasting master Bundos Fara, and T’nalak master weaver Barbara Ofong. Staying with them offers a unique experience—each day different, each interaction meaningful.
Another tour circuit is Lake Holon—an eco-adventure trail for overnight or extended stays. Groups can book through the municipal tourism office, with packages ranging from ₱1,500 to ₱5,000, including food.
Tupi and Polomolok are also key eco-adventure destinations in South Cotabato. The province also offers farm tour packages where visitors can experience local farms firsthand.
Asaria said these immersive experiences—hands-on, cultural, and community-based—are now at the center of tourism promotions.
In South Cotabato, the rising cost of fuel is not just a constraint—it is a turning point. By reshaping tourism around authenticity and connection, the province is proving that even in times of economic pressure, travel can remain meaningful, accessible, and rooted in experience, Asaria added.
