Disneyland in the Philippines?

MANILA, Philippines — Is the land “where dreams come true” becoming a reality for the Philippines? Representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin has reportedly written a letter to Thomas Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, encouraging him to expand the international leisure park franchise on Philippine soil.

Working with the Department of Tourism, Lazatin aims to catapult the Philippines to the top spot of the best tourist destinations in the world, claiming the success of the endeavour will urge more foreign visitors.

Lazatin markets the Clark Freeport Zone as the perfect site to build the world renowned theme park. He writes, “The Clark Freeport Zone may interest you and Walt Disney as the next location for your famous Disneyland theme park, as it boasts of a 4,400-hectare main zone and 27,600-hectare subzone.”

Moreover, he mentions how this project will also benefit Walt Disney, referring to Clark Freeport Zone’s tax free privilege for developers, and the already prolific tourist status in the Philippines. An estimated 4 million foreigners visit the country per year.

In the letter, he wrote, “Together with our population of more than 90 million Filipinos, a Disneyland theme park in the Philippines could be a major income generating site for your company.”

In another letter to DOT Chairman Ramon Jimenez, Lazatin explains, “I notified (Walt Disney) that Clark Freeport Zone also has its own world-class airport and hotels which can accommodate the influx of foreign and local tourists.”

Trending worldwide, the news received mixed reactions, with many debating the practicality and success of the plan amidst widespread poverty in the country.

In Asia, Disneyland theme parks are found in Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Shanghai. – Rappler.com

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