Bright prospects for RP tourism sector in 2010

MANILA, Philippines - With the implementation of the new Tourism Act, the local tourism industry sees a more vibrant business in the coming year.

Former tourism secretary Mina Gabor, who was elected president of the Tourism Congress, said the new Tourism Act is expected to pave the way for a booming tourism business in the country.

“The Act is a tool to make sure that infrastructure support is put in place and to identify priority areas of development,” Gabor said.

As provided under the new law, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano convened last month the Tourism Congress allowing participating members of the tourism industry to start the process of organizing themselves in time for the implementation of other provisions in the Tourism Act in the coming year.

“The whole idea to streamline the operations of the tourism department will give more ‘feet’ to the country’s marketing and promotional efforts,” Gabor said.

The Tourism Congress comprised 44 tourism organizations representing primary and secondary tourism enterprises as well as allied and relevant enterprises in the tourism sector throughout the country.

Gabor said the Tourism Act provides for stronger private sector participation, as it is encouraged to look seriously at the role it plays in shaping the domestic tourism industry.

Angel Bognot, president of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, Inc. (NAITAS), said members of the industry from different regions spoke out during the Tourism Congress. 

Although the tourism industry met numerous challenges this year, mostly caused by external factors such as the H1N1 pandemic, typhoons, and the fiscal crisis, industry members are optimistic that more tourists will visit the country in 2010.

But private tourism companies emphasized the need for additional infrastructure and a more integrated tourism promotional campaign.

They expressed hope that with the more direct involvement of the private sector through the Tourism Congress, these concerns will be addressed.

Felix Cruz, of the Bureau of Airline Representatives (BAR), said they expect further boost in air traffic negotiations and relations with international airlines, which have always contributed to the overall tourist arrivals. 

Cruz said, “Global experts have projected a general upswing for the whole industry next year, as the world economy is also gearing for a gradual growth.” 

While domestic tourism has been quite strong this year, he said the industry is looking forward to improvements in terms of bringing in more foreign tourists to the country.