Exploring residents' views on festival impacts in Baguio: insights from a pilot study

The annual Flower Festival, known locally as Panagbenga, in Baguio City, Philippines, has blossomed over 29 years into a significant cultural event. Since its humble beginnings, the festival has evolved from a weekend affair to a month-long celebration, drawing in millions of visitors eager to experience its vibrant activities. While the economic boost from tourism is undeniable, concerns about sociocultural and environmental impacts have surfaced (Palangchao, 2016). Despite its significance, there is a surprising lack of research on the festival's broader impacts and limited information archives. Public opinions on social media and in newspapers are abundant but often lack cohesion, making it difficult for governments to develop effective policies, especially regarding the festival's socio-economic and commercial aspects. To address this gap, the authors are conducting a study to examine how residents and visitors perceive Panagbenga's economic, social, and environmental impacts. The study uses an online survey to measure residents’ perceptions of the festival's benefits and impacts and their expectations for the city’s sustainable future. Lastly, the study aims to provide empirical-based recommendations to organisers, local government, and destination marketing organisations on managing residents’ perceptions and expectations.

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