Philippines not yet wowing them

Long before the 9/11 incident, the Abu Sayyaf kidnappings, the SARS phenomena, the July 27 military mutiny at Oakwood, and the travel advisories against the Philippines, tourists traveling to this part of the world have been setting their sights elsewhere rather than in the islands of the Philippines.

Even during the last 10 years or so, tourist arrivals have not broken the two-million mark a year. And, mind you, this figure already includes the balikbayans and the overseas Filipino workers.

In contrast, Thailand, Malaysia and even Singapore each average 10 million tourist arrivals annually. Even Indonesia, with their share of terrorist threats and bombings, posted five-million arrivals last year. And fast catching up is Vietnam.

Good Offers, No Buyers, No Takers

Not that local tour operators, hoteliers, travel agencies have not come up with attractive offers. The wholesale price, for instance, for package tours is bringing down room rates especially at the bay area to such dirt cheap bargain rates of just $25 a night for two, with complimentary breakfast to boot!

Because occupancy rates have not picked up, even the snobbish high-end hotels have agreed not only to scale down room rates but also accept what was thought of as unimaginable in better days, that is, to take in tour groups.

But alas! the moneyed, leisure travelers – both local and foreign – who can actually make a difference in boosting local tourism are not biting. Lavish spenders are not wowed by the Philippines.

Even in Boracay, noted as a top tourist destination, bookings in hotels and resorts are not even nearly half-full. Unlike in previous years, there were still American and European tourists that came in during the lean months of July to October. This year was a different situation altogether.

To Deliver As Advertised

Admittedly, there is currently a worldwide slowdown in traveling and related tourist business. Sooner rather than later, people will get tired of being paranoid about terrorist threats and will start traveling. The question is: Are we prepared to receive the influx of tourists?

There is this age-old concern about inadequate infrastructure and other support services required to lure the high-end tourists still not in place.

For instance, while we brag about our natural, unspoiled attractions, there are not enough rooms and support infrastructure to take in more tourists if they decide to come and give the country a try.

As an example, in Palawan, there are only two tiny airports, one in El Nido and one in Busuanga, which can only bring in no more than 50 passengers a day. In Manila, we have an expanded international airport with three terminals, but there is only one working runway.

On more mundane matters, it’s such a turnoff when visitors to tourist spots like the spruced-up Intramuros have to pay for toilets that don’t work, or couldn’t get a copy of local area maps, an item one can easily get in other more tourist-oriented countries.

The Philippines has so many tourist destinations to offer owing to its rich history, culture and picturesque sites. But without more private sector investment and sustained, not sporadic, well-coordinated government support, it will be difficult to realize its potentials.

Government has been spending substantial amounts of money for advertising campaigns like "WOW Philippines." But are we ready to deliver as advertised? Paging Secretary Richard Gordon.

Drug Testing Controversies On Tv

"Isyung Kalakalan at Iba Pa" on IBC News (4:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Monday to Friday), starts today with the second part of discussions on drug testing, a requirement under the Dangerous Drug Act. Several issues were raised during the course of drug testings conducted by some sectors. Are laboratory facilities adequate to conduct reliable drug testing procedures? Are the results obtained beyond questionable doubt?

Assurance that drug-testing results are reliable is critical specially if there is public disclosure of those who fail the test. The recent incident involving prominent players in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) who allegedly failed the PBA-conducted drug tests is an example. Even the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) questioned the adequacy of the testing procedures that resulted in the suspension of basketball player Jun Limpot.

‘Breaking Barriers’ On New Time Slot

"Breaking Barriers" on IBC-13 is now a full-hour show every Wednesday at 11 p.m. starting Oct. 29, 2003. Featured guest this week is Dr. Juan P. Sanchez Jr., a renowned surgeon who has been promoting the use of local anesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks for major surgeries.

Dr. Sanchez is one of those in the medical field who advocates the broader application of the use of local anesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks. They claim that these procedures will significantly reduce the cost of major operations, a big boost to those who are suffering from ailments that require costly surgery.

An active member of "Operations Smile," a medical mission that performs cleft lip repair for indigent groups, Dr. Sanchez recently launched his book entitled, "Oriental Rhinoplasty" compiling his extensive experiences in rhinoplasty and reconstructive surgery. The book is considered as "the first of its kind in the field and also the first of its kind in the Philippines."

Join us break barriers with Dr. Sanchez as he answers questions about unsafe practices in cosmetic surgery, including nose lifts, nose fixing and the highly popular (and controversial) liposuction procedures. Watch it.

Missing Punctuation Marks

Somebody tinkered with the punctuation marks, i.e., quotation marks, in last Friday’s column ("Population, politics, religion," Philippine Star, Oct. 24, 2003). Please accept our apologies for the confusion and difficulty in distinguishing the reader’s views as against my own comments.

Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 4th Floor, 156 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. If you wish to view the previous columns or telecasts of "Isyung Kalakalan at Iba Pa," you may visit my website at http://bizlinks.linkedge.biz.