Tourism groups, leaders back Lim

MANILA, Philippines -  Foreign business groups and tourism industry leaders gave their full backing to Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim amid reports that President Aquino is thinking of removing him from the post.

American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) president Austen Chamberlain said foreign businessmen are pleased with Lim’s policy reforms, including the adoption of open skies policy.

Tourism industry leaders also expressed their support for Lim, who they said was able to bring in the biggest number of foreign tourists ever in the country.

Aileen Clemente, Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) president, also credited Lim for coming out with a new National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).

With the NTDP set to be presented by Aquino by the end of the month, the DOT hopes to lure 3.7 million international arrivals this 2011, 6.3 million foreign visitors by 2016 as well as 32 million domestic travelers that could generate P1.3 trillion in expenditure and 5.16 million jobs.

“That is a tall order. And, if anyone can lead us towards such a great accomplishment as an industry and as a nation - it is no less than Lim and President Aquino,” Clemente said.

She called on Lim to just keep on working for the completion of NTDP and the new Country Brand project.

“Secretary Lim should not worry about criticisms coming from those outside of our industry since those who are really involved in tourism in this country and have been in the industry for decades know that what he is doing is good for the country and good for tourism,” she said.

Southeast Asian Airlines (Seair) official Avelino Zapanta said that since assuming office, Lim has been pushing for bold policy reforms to help ensure sustainable growth for Philippine tourism.