Courtesy: Travel Weekly Asia
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for a continued relationship between the government and the private sector to promote the Philippine tourism industry.
The tourism industry has significantly contributed to the revenue generation, job creation and economic growth of the country, according to President Marcos.
In his speech delivered by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco during the Tourism Summit on Monday, President Marcos said the significant contribution of the private sector to the country’s tourism industry has made the Philippine destinations stood out from others.
“To the exemplary industry leaders, content creators, and key players who are making an impact in the tourism community: You are serving your country well with your exceptional work. You are also showing us what it takes, what it requires, to give the Philippines that edge over other destinations,” President Marcos said.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let us continue this partnership between the government and the private sector, working together to support our MSMEs, including those catering to the needs of the tourism industry,” the President added.
The President also expressed gratitude to the Go Negosyo led by business leader Joey Concepcion, the DOT and its partners and to the Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneurs Awards recipients.
He also urged the private sector “to bring the rewards of a thriving tourism industry directly to the Filipino people” as he reminded them to always keep in mind the need to protect the environment, to care for all people, and to utilize the resources with great prudence.
“For, at the end of the day, we are not just entrepreneurs – we are all promoted advocates and protectors of our beautiful country. Only by being so can we make the Philippines a truly sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global tourism hub,” he said.
The chief executive also acknowledged the contribution of the tourism sector to the country’s economy.
He said the DOT is on track to realizing its goal under the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028 that outlines a clear path towards establishing a sustainable, resilient and competitive tourism industry.
The President said the DOT has been intensifying efforts to enhance tourism services in the country by implementing the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program, among other efforts that attracted thousands of tourists.
In 2023, the DOT recorded 5.5 million inbound tourists, which is 15 percent higher than the 4.8 million target for the year. In the first four months of 2024 alone, DOT’s record showed more than two million tourist arrivals
“These numbers, and the accompanying visible increase in economic activities and commerce across our famous destinations, are a testament to the industry’s recovery,” President Marcos said.
“These also prove that the active participation of every stakeholder matters; that one’s perseverance to acquire more skills, know-how, and networks makes a difference in our tourism agenda. At the same time, these numbers pose challenge for us to translate these gains into tangible benefits – benefits for our people, our communities and our economy,” he added.
Before concluding his speech, President Marcos expressed confidence that the tourism summit will become a venue for the revival of the country’s tourism industry, which was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
