Joseph: Safety and security are vital aspects of tourism

CEBU, Philippines — Before spending too much on promoting a destination, a tourism advocate said that local government units should also take into consideration the safety and security of their respective areas.

According to Robert "Bobby" Joseph, while the Philippines is already gaining strong popularity as tropical destination of choice especially amongst foreign travelers, it has to emphasize its efforts in the assurance of safety and security.

This can be easily attained if LGUs around the country commit to put the safety and security in their respective tourism programs. After all, this is what every traveler wants to know, said Joseph, who is also the chairman Emeritus for Network of Independent Travel Agencies (NITAS).

Aside from safety and security, a destination should also spend on promoting hygiene and cleanliness, this will also create a lasting good impression to visitors, more than expensive promotional campaigns.

Joseph reiterated the importance of "house-cleaning" and establishing a safe stay for tourists, otherwise the tourism appeal will not be sustainable.

Now, that tourists’ interest across social classes and age brackets are geared towards experiential and rate countryside destinations, establishing an assurance of safety and security is too crucial.

On the other hand, Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Shalimar H. Tamano already made his pronouncement on strengthening security and safety across the region.

Like Joseph, Tamano also believes that these (safety and security) are foundations of a sustainable and robust tourism sector.

Tamano mentioned Singapore and Japan as these two tourism star destinations are excellent in implementing their security and safety programs, "no wonder they are rich in tourism revenues."