City eyes joining European Christmas Market

The city government under Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in collaboration with the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), opened the Baguio Christmas Market last December 5 and plans to join the Excellent European Christmas Market Association (EECMA).

EECMA is a non-profit organization that awards quality Christmas Markets that demonstrate high standards in concept, tradition, sustainability, and more. It has been observing the Baguio Christmas Market for the past three years.

City tourism office head Aloysius Mapalo said this year’s European-inspired Christmas market aligns with the BTC’s efforts to be accredited worldwide by the EECMA.

“Around the world, they accredit different showcases of Christmas markets that should comply with European standards kasi it’s where it started,” Mapalo explained.

In 2019, the Baguio Christmas Market was a re-creation of the Christmas market in Germany and became a tourist destination for locals and tourists alike.

The council planned to do it again but was shelved due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Then, in 2022, they continued, realizing it was becoming a popular tourist destination, with a market similar to that in Europe, which started the idea of joining the EECMA.

In Asia, Japan holds two Christmas markets in Tokyo and Sapporo. Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong also host them.

Mapalo noted that by 2025, concepts to products are well curated and meet the standards established by the EECMA.

“We would like it to be at that standard for three consecutive years. Yun ang tina-target natin”, he said.

Mapalo added that the success of the events were due to the cooperation and partnership with the private sector and other stakeholders.

Eco-friendly practices are also one of the criteria for EECMA, aligning with the city’s aim to use sustainable materials, which are among the core materials for decorations and practices this year.

With Baguio as one of the EECMA-listed Christmas markets, it will be promoted worldwide and would be able to showcase its unique culture and tourism sites to people from other nationalities. – Jaeda Pad-eng, PIO intern / Gaby Keith