Philtoa urges Duterte admin to build on Aquino’s gains in tourism industry

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo / Special to the BusinessMirror

THE Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) urged the incoming Duterte administration to build on the gains of the incumbent Aquino administration in the tourism industry.

This, even as the group has drawn up a 12-point tourism agenda for discussion with the President-elect’s administration, focusing on needed infrastructure, boosting the competitiveness of the Philippine tourism, and increasing both inbound and outbound tourism.

At the recent third General Membership Meeting of Philtoa, member Alma Jimenez presented a list of policy matters to be taken up with the incoming administration, which was outlined in the group’s “Tourism Agenda for the First 100 Days of the New Government.” Jimenez is also head of the Management Association of the Philippines’ Committee on Trade, Industry, and Tourism.

Philtoa  strongly urged the incoming administration “to establish and implement an Integrated Tourism Development Plan anchored on inclusive, sustainable and transformative tourism whose criteria will include: a cohesive and integrated master plan to harmonize infrastructure, tourism attractions and business environment and enhance the coordination of all tourism sectors, public and private; ensure the equitable distribution of resources and social and economic benefits across the country through the active development of micro, small and medium tourism/tourism-related enterprises; protection of the natural resources, tourism assets and the environment; development of enterprise capacity and build the capabilities and skills of human resources; and preservation, enhancement and promotion of the country’s cultural heritage.”

Jimenez added that the plan focuses on three major areas: “implementation of needed infrastructure development; fostering Philippine competitiveness in the global market; and boosting inbound and domestic tourism.”

Philtoa also urged the continuation of certain policies of the current administration that have borne fruit, but resolved to support changes that the Duterte administration may implement with regard to boosting the competitiveness of the tourism sector.

In its 12-point tourism agenda, a copy of which was obtained by the BusinessMirror, Philtoa said: “We also believe
that we must not go back to ground zero. Certainly, we will be very supportive of changes for the better, but the industry is dynamic and it must also be able to rely on solid and predictable policies, especially when these are working and beneficial. We must keep moving forward and build on the good policies and actions that have already been started regardless of who were responsible for these programs. Transitions must enhance rather than retard the progress of the industry.”

In its tourism agenda, Philtoa proposed that the Duterte administration to tackled the following:

■ Review of the Tourism Act of 2009;

■ Addressing the airport problems and airline-industry concerns to improve and enhance the international connectivity;

■  Addressing the looming shortage and high cost of power and water;

■ Implementation of the implementing rules and regulations of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise
Zone Authority;

■ Development and implementation of a fully integrated branding, marketing and communication campaign for
Philippine tourism;

■ Fostering Philippine tourism competitiveness aligned with the Asean agenda;

■ Exploring and maximizing tourism programs and campaigns that can potentially provide benefits across the
tourism sectors;

■ Promotion of the “culture of tourism” through literacy programs and community engagement for better destination marketing;

■ Streamlining procedures for travel tax, customs and immigration and licensing;

■ Developing/refurbishing public-recreation amenities that can encourage and promote domestic tourism;

■ Improvement of infrastructure and facilities in selected tourism spots with the greatest potential, such as better accessibility to improved transport system such as mass rail transits, sea transport, etc.; and

■ Addressing hospitality and security issues (i.e., conducting an intensive drive against extortionists and unlawful elements that prey on tourists and passengers).

Jimenez, likewise, expressed confidence that the incoming Duterte administration will give the same full
support that the incumbent Aquino administration has shown to the tourism industry.

Philtoa had gathered 300 of its members last week to discuss the future of Philippine tourism. Among the members are the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International, Philippine Airlines, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, Philippines Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers Inc., and the MAP. The Department of Tourism (DOT) also was invited to the meeting.

Philtoa members reviewed how the entire the Philippine tourism industry was transformed into an engineer of economic growth with the cooperation of the DOT and private sectors.

Each stakeholder representative presented an assessment of the country’s tourism in the last six years and a wish list for the incoming administration.

Philtoa member Jose Clemente III said, “The image of the Philippines as a destination has improved greatly in the past six years.” Considering that the latest tourism numbers are all looking rosy, the president of Rajah Travels Philippines is optimistic that the country is in “a very good ground for the future.” He added that “10 million is achievable if we have the capacity in place,” suggesting that infrastructure gaps should be addressed by the next administration. This year the DOT expects some 6.5 million foreign visitor arrivals, falling short of its earlier 10-million target.