Gordon pushes RP on world map

The prognosis had been that tourism would suffer a slump, that from lack of foreign tourists and dollars, we would drop dead one by one. But the other day, at the Bulong-Pulongan sa Westin Philippine Plaza, Tourism Secretary Richard "Dick" Gordon vanished those "myths" away. He was asked by a newspaperwoman if the American advisory (that discourages American citizens from traveling to certain spots in the Philippines) has affected the travel flow from the US. Characteristically, Dick gave a guffaw in the style of Rhett Butler of the classic Gone with the Wind. "Frankly, I don’t give a damn."

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In fact, Dick gave figures on how well tourism fared during the past year. Comparing tourist arrivals between Year 2002 and Year 2001, Dick said that from January to December 2002, there were 395,323 or 20.5 percent of the tourist arrivals as compared to 392,099 or 0.8 percent in 2001. By ranking of number of tourists, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, and Singapore had more people traveling to the Philippines last year than during the previous year; the number of travelers declining by just a hundred or so from the United Kingdom, Germany, Malaysia and China.

Department of Tourism guys describe the highlights of the past year’s departmental initiatives. They say that recognizing the potential of tourism to be a principal engine of economic growth, Secretary Gordon and the DOT focused their efforts in 2002 on restoring confidence in the Philippines as leading tourist destination in the Asia-Pacific region. After several years of declining visitor arrivals, the DOT prioritized plans and programs in 2002 aimed towards reversing the alarming trend.

In 2002, DOT embarked on an aggressive advocacy campaign "to show the world that the Philippines is a clean, safe and tourist-friendly destination, able to cater to a wide variety of activities – from eco-tourism to cultural activities. More than this, the hospitality and kindness of the Filipino was highlighted to counter the negative perception surrounding the country as an unsafe and unstable destination."

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Among the accomplishments of DOT were the launching of high-profile international ("More than the Usual") and domestic ("Wow Philippines") advertising campaigns; organizing the annual Pacific Asia Travel Association Board of Directors Meeting, a major event in the international tourism industry calendar, organizing an international conference on anti-terrorism and tourism recovery, and initiating the "Volunteer 12" program to utilize the seven million Filipinos to promote tourism by asking them to send home one tourist each year.

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This year, DOT goes more aggressive in marketing the Philippines not only to foreign, but also domestic tourists. I like its preparation of a calendar of events which shows what’s happening (cultural, religious, affairs, etc.) in different places in the Philippines. For the month of January, for instance, people can choose where to go – the Sto. Nino festival in Cebu, the concert night in Intramuros (a monthly cultural affair), the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, the Bulaklakan Festival, the Lingayen Gulf Landing anniversary, the Binirayan Festival in Romblon , the coconut festival in San Pablo City, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, the Dinagyan Festival in Iloilo City, the Philippine Food Expo 2003 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, the Caracol Festival in Makati City and a series of golf tournaments around the country.

The activities during the whole month are plenteous. Summertime should send families to the provinces to enjoy the fiestas. Dick Gordon said that tourists will be attracted to Christmas festivities in the country.

I suggest that people drop in on travel agencies to get copies of the year’s tourism activities.

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DOT’s "Visit Philippines 2003" campaign will attract holiday makers specifically golf enthusiasts. An estimated 50 million people worldwide playing golf in about 15,000 golf courses could be drawn to the Philippines with attractive tour packages. Golf tour packages with prices ranging from as low as US$348 to US$428, will take golfers to play in the many fabulous golf courses including the Manila Southwoods, the Canlubang Golf and Country Club, and Sta. Elena Golf Club. Golfers can try Camp John Hay. Night golf packages are also being offered.

The DOT has tied up with the Federation of Golf Clubs, Inc., the Philippine Tour Operators Association, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to promote the country as a premier golf destination in Asia.

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There is not a dull moment with Dick as host or guest at a show or party. He is full of optimism, he is sharp-tongued, he is a good friend (when he likes you). Best of all, he will never say die when it comes to promoting this country as a haven, a safe place – despite the threats posed by the Abu Sayyaf.

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By the way, Dick, an Upsilonian, is participating in the Speaker Jose de Venecia Cup Golf Tournament at the Villamor Golf Course tomorrow. Leading Batch 69 Upsilonian golfers is lawyer-civic leader Manolet Ocampo. The tournament is a fund-raising activity of the Center for the Promotion of Peace and Development of Mindanao, an NGO that promotes efforts to expedite the peace and development of Mindanao that is headed by Upsilonian CPPDM director general Saeed A. Daof.

A grand raffle prize is a two-way ticket to Hong Kong, courtesy of Philippine Airlines. As of this writing, donors include Rufo Colayco of the Bases Conversion Development Authority, Yats International Wine Club, Consul of Monaco Fortune Ledesma and Flaschengeist Philippines.

To play are Tess Henderson and Bing Joaquin, newspaperwoman Deedee Siytangco and Sonny Siytangco. Many of the players are from the foreign embassies, such as Raihan Sharif, Mohd Hussin Mohd. Hashim, Ahmad Faris Ahmad, and Abdul Aziz Shahar of the Malaysian Embassy, and Abubakar Nazar of the Indonesian Embassy. More players: Romy Oldas, Rey Camangon, Roly Aguilar, Oscar Neman, Bert Gregorio and Art Llorin.

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