Philtoa to host tourism forum

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) Inc. will host the First Philippine Tourism Forum which will tackle major challenges and opportunities confronting the industry in 2015’s ASEAN Integration.

The two-day forum, starts today and will bring in key tourism experts to talk about the waves of change that will take  place once the so-called ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) sets in.

“By 2015, a single regional common market of ASEAN countries will be created under the AEC. It is envisioned that with the increasing liberalization, barriers to the free flow of goods, services, investment capital and skilled labor will finally be dismantled,” Philtoa said.

“The implications are vast – businesses must have global perspective and start thinking of an expanded million people as markets in ASEAN countries - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Our neighbors began their preparations early on – and because we had a late start, we must now double our pace to keep in step with them, the group said.”

Philtoa said one of the six major benefits identified in the AEC is tourism opportunity.

“There is a notable increase in travels within the region and other countries have started to take a second look at Asia as an attractive destination,” it said.

It cited that in the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan put together by the ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), the vision is: “By 2015, ASEAN will provide an increasing number of visitors to the region with authentic and diverse products, enhanced connectivity, a safe and secure environment, increased quality of services, while at the same time ensuring an increased quality of life and opportunities for residents through responsible and sustainable tourism development by working effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.”

“Indeed, tourism offers tremendous opportunities for economic and social development. To turn this promise into a reality, tourism development must be properly planned and managed, the group said.”

“To convert the aspirations into reality, the Philippines must step up and do all the things necessary to improve its competitiveness in the ASEAN region. The time is now,” it added.