ADB to release 2nd tranche of tourism program budget

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT-7) hopes that more tourism-related businesses will benefit from the second tranche of the "Improving Competitiveness in Tourism" program administered by the Asian Development Bank and funded by the Canadian government.

"We have so much manpower to train. I hope that more establishments will be able to get the grant this time," said DOT-7 regional director Rowena Montecillo, as the program rolls out its second tranche of budget that is expected to be released before the end first semester this year.

Early this week, the program principals, in coordination with the DOT-7 conducted a workshop to possible beneficiaries on how to successfully avail of the grant.

The $7.1-million technical assistance, launched in 2013, is designed to support the government's effort to achieve inclusive growth and create employment opportunities in tourism.

Cebu and Bohol as well as Puerto Princesa and Davao were identified as pilot areas of the project. The program will be expanded nationwide depending on its success in the four pilot areas.

Montecillo said the first batch of grantees were able to get their share of the US$181 thousand total budget released to aid the training and other competitiveness requirements.

The first batch of tourism related organizations and establishments that benefited from the grant included Alpha City Suites, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Parklane International Hotel Cebu, Olanggo Community, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casinos, Cebu Association of Travel Agencies (CATO).

Under the program, which will run for 38 months, various accommodation enterprises submitted proposals to help fund their skills training programs. These include food and beverage preparation and service, front office, personality development, housekeeping, and leisure and entertainment services.

According to the DOT, the Improving Competitiveness in Tourism project aims to deliver three outputs, these are: assistance for local governments to reduce red tape affecting businesses operating in the tourism sector; industry support to raise standards through DOT's new hotel and resorts quality assurance and accreditation framework; and tourism industry skills development program.

"In recent years, the Philippine tourism industry has undoubtedly grown to become a major source of quality jobs in the country. With the booming tourism industry, we recognize that a better skilled workforce is needed as it will lead to quality services," said Shigeko Hattori, director for Public Management, Financial Sector, and Trade Division in the Southeast Asia Department of the ADB.

Citing the Filipino's innate hospitality and the country's availability of exquisite tourist spots, Hattori said that the Philippines has all the potential to become an international travel destination.

"The program will definitely help in the improvement of our services. Although, we are already competitive in the Asean, we look forward to being more competitive globally. The trainings will be able to fill the gap on the issue on mismatch," added Montecillo.

Based on 2013 report, the Philippines advanced by five rungs in the World Tourism Competitiveness ratings, ranking 81st among 130 countries surveyed in the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report.

The Philippines was also listed as the most improved country in region, being the only Asean member country registering significant improvement. (FREEMAN)