Santa Ana is blessed with unique, unspoiled natural wonders, including pristine white sand beaches; virgin forests; a protected marine landscape and seascape in Palaui Island; ecologically rich and diverse mangrove areas; bountiful flora and fauna; a dolphin and whale habitat; and even a century old Spanish lighthouse overlooking an enchanting and hidden cove.
The area is an ideal site for eco-tourism activities set amidst a serene and pleasureable landscape. Sports enthusiasts can also look forward to a host of indoor and outdoor sports activities including game fishing, waterports, and the like. The Cagayan Freeport offer almost anything for the seasoned traveller and adventurous visitor - - be it watersports, snorkeling, trail hiking, bird watching, kayaking in quiet mangroves, or watching spectacular sunrises and sunsets. For the discerning vacationists, our leisure resorts offer relaxing spa treatments, KTV’s, Eastern and Western cuisine, infinity pools and private pools, as well as casino games.
The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority realizes that the fastest way to stimulate economic growth while promoting the Cagayan Freeport is through integrated tourism development harmonizing the Cagayan North International Airport, Cruise Ship Operations in Port Irene and Leisure Resort Development.
The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority has been aggressive and consistent in promoting the Cagayan Province as an attractive tourism destination. The efforts led to having Palaui Island as one of the ten best beaches in CNN’s best beaches in the world, placing even higher than El Nido in Palawan and Puka Beack in Boracay.
There is still more that can be offered in the Province of Cagayan. CEZA is interested in exploring the promotion of a tourism corridor along the way to Santa Ana - - the Province of Cagayan is known for several tourist spots, in particular, Buguey – which is the crab capital of the Philippines; Camalaniugan – which houses the oldest bell in the Far East; the Lal-lo Church in Lallo, which used to be the seat of Nueva Segovia - - one of the first four cities in the Philippines during the Spanish Period; the Magapit bridge, also in Lallo – this is the first suspension bridge in Southeast Asia; St. Philomene Church in Alcala, Cagayan which is the widest church in Cagayan Valley; Calvary Hills and the Iguig Church with its flying buttresses, centuries old well and relic of the True Cross in Iguig; the Callao Caves in Penablanca; the centuries old image of Our Lady of Piat, in Piat, Cagayan, which is the religious center of the Valley; and white water rafting in the Chico River.
The vast potential for tourism is further realized with the Cagayan North International Airport. The airport with its 2.2 km runway, 2-aircraft apron and 400-seating capacity terminal can transit up to 3.9 million travellers per year. This highlights the limitless possibilities for tourism development in Cagayan.
The Cagayan Freeport’s attractions such as Palaui Island are now trending. However, this still does not fulfill CEZA’s vision for Cagayan - - CEZA’s ultimate goal is not to be a mere trending destination but to be a major leisure and business destination in a global setting, to be a mainstay in the tourism industry that offers a unique experience for all visitors. The developments accomplished by CEZA have provided the momentum to realize this vision.
