DOT targets 5M tourists in 2010

CEBU - Department of Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano yesterday said despite the DOT’s limited budget next year, they will still vigorously work to reach their target of five million tourists visiting the country by 2010.

During an interview by reporters after the opening of the 6th International Tourism Forum at Shangri-La Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday, Durano however said there is a P200 million increase in the DOT budget next year.

According to Durano, DOT had P1.2 billion budget this year and next year, it will have an additional P200 million.

He said the P160 million of the P200 million will be used for the preparation of the World Expo in Shanghai, China in 2010.

The DOT spends P800 million of its annual budget for promotion and marketing.

This is far from the $100 million (P4.5 billion at $1 to P45) spent by other Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore, Durano said.

"Despite of our limited budget, we continue promoting our country," said Durano.

Durano said there is no need to lower the target of the number of tourist arrivals in the country because of the limited budget. He admitted that it is a big challenge to him and the people in the industry to work together.

He added that the local government officials played an important role for the success of the department’s program in promoting tourism.

Local officials, Durano said, are the first to know the potential of their tourist areas. – Jose P. Sollano/LPM       (THE FREEMAN)