Erap’s Luneta Boardwalk project shelved – DOT

The only edifice that should be considered the major historical landmark in Luneta Park is the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

With this, the Department of Tourism with the approval of President Arroyo decided to permanently shelve the Luneta Boardwalk project, the controversial pet project of her predecessor, deposed President Estrada.

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon, former chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, said they decided to cancel the project so that the Boardwalk fund could be used for promotional activities.

"The government is in dire need of a much bigger budget for promotional activities so we can entice more foreign tourists to visit the country," Gordon said.

He explained that the unused fund will definitely go a long way in the DOT’s global promotion of various tourist attractions all over the archipelago.

Gordon disclosed that the tourism department is now looking for private corporations who might be interested in buying and completing the multi-million peso Boardwalk project.

Earlier, he ordered a review of the project to ensure that it would be done properly. It was also aimed at checking whether the government could still cut costs.

The P400 million project initiated by the Philippine Tourism Authority was scheduled to be completed before the year ends.

The DOT chief pointed out that their Asian counterparts like those in Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore, have been spending $45 million to as much as $70 million a year in promotional activities.

"Because they are allocating so much to their promotional activities, they have attracted over 10 million foreign tourists every year despite problems affecting their countries," Gordon said.

He added that since the Philippines spends only $600,000 every year for promotional activities, the country only registers 1.8 million foreign tourists annually.

But Gordon expressed confidence that the Philippines would be able to attract more foreign tourists than in the previous years, especially now that the DOT is set to embark on a massive promotion.

Aside from using funds intended for the Boardwalk project, Gordon said the DOT is also seeking additional funds from Malacañang.