EDITORIAL - Why we remain at the bottom

In another encouraging report confirming the Philippine’s position as world’s premier tourist destination, an international travel magazine has chosen a country’s island as the best in the world to visit this year. This marked the second year that the popular Travel and Leisure Magazine put the Philippines on top of the list.

In its 2013 World’s Best article published last week, Travel and Leisure named Palawan as the best island for travelers. Palawan bested Boracay, the number one on the magazine’s list last year.

Despite reaping positive reviews for the past years, the Philippines is still logging one of the lowest foreign arrivals in Southeast Asia. In fact, the country remains at the bottom of the list for foreigners traveling to Asia and the Pacific. 

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the country’s share of international tourism arrival in 2002 only stood at 1.8 percent, one of the lowest among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Leading the pack were Malaysia with 10.7 percent and Thailand with 9.6 percent.

The government said there has been an aggressive approach in the country’s bid to secure a large chunk of the world tourism market. But why is the country still at the bottom of the list?

As we see it, the problem lies in the fact that the government’s aggressive promotional campaign is not concrete enough to entice a huge share of the international tourism market. Besides, the marketing drive has never been consistent that even an effective tourism promotion is only good for a single administration, becoming extinct once a new government takes over.  

Of course, the volatile peace and order situation remains a major hindrance in the country’s effort to attract more foreign tourists. The bombing in Cagayan de Oro City Friday night was just a grim reminder that the country will never achieve its goal unless the safety of the visitors is assured.