PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is optimistic that the Philippine tourism sector will soon experience a “great rebound.”
During his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday, the President noted the tourist arrival figures continue to increase as the economy starts to reopen following the pandemic.
“Our tourism has always been a reliable pillar of our economic growth through the years, providing livelihood to more than five million of our citizens. Because of the reopening of the economy, and the phenomenon of ‘revenge travel,’ this sector is headed for a great rebound,” Marcos said.
Marcos recognized the sector’s contribution to development and highlighted how his administration puts the industry on top of its priorities.
As the country addresses its “weaknesses and develop competitiveness in other potential areas,” Marcos said the country would also maximize its strengths.
“Our competitive advantage must be leveraged. As a ’service export powerhouse’, we must continue to nurture the growth of the services sector, particularly the Information Technology-Business Process Management and tourism industries,” he said.
Marcos added that his administration will prioritize “intermodal connectivity” and connect roads, bridges, and mass transport systems to provide access to economic markets, including tourism sites.
At present, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is coordinating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to upgrade the country’s airports, seaports and roads.
The agency is also pushing to enhance and continue projects under the existing Tourism Road Infrastructure Program as well as the exploration and pursuit of new infrastructure projects, with at least PHP16 billion invested in tourism roads for 2023.
