Tourism targets on track

MANILA, Philippines - The tourism industry’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to increase to between 10 percent to 12 percent in the next six years following more intensified efforts to develop infrastructure, human resources and marketing, a top tourism official said.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. told The STAR the sector may expand its contribution to economic output from the current 8.5 percent to as much as 12 percent by 2022.

“Over the next six years, we’re hoping that we can increase (tourism’s contribution to the GDP) to a low of 10 percent to as much as 12 percent,” Bengzon said in a phone interview.

“But more important than the percentage contribution is really the absolute figures. The important thing is tourism will continue to contribute significantly to the country’s economic development,” he added.

The DOT, under its National Tourism Development Plan 2017 - 2022, targets to increase tourist arrivals to 12 million and domestic arrivals to 89 million by the end of the roadmap.

Bengzon said the sector’s growth will be driven by enhanced air access, increased accommodation capacity, improved human resources and stepped up marketing campaigns.

“First of all, we would see improved infrastructure, particularly, airports, which will now expand our capacity to absorb far more passengers, both foreign and domestic, not only in our main gateway, NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), but also the secondary airports,” the official said.

He also cited increased share of secondary airports, which will soon also serve as entry points for foreign visitors.

“In other words, we will see more tourists flying directly to Cebu, Kalibo, Clark, Puerto Princesa and even Davao,” he said.

The official also noted there will be increased investments in hotels in main metropolitan areas, as well as resorts, particularly in secondary destinations.

“So the Philippines should be able to offer a wider range of accommodation options for both foreign visitors and domestic travelers,” he said.

The DOT will also aim for the upgrading of human capital in the tourism industry through skills training.

“(This) would put us at par with our global counterparts. We will be able to offer an unforgettable fun experience for our visitors,” Bengzon said.

The fourth and last driver Bengzon mentioned is the intensified marketing and promotions campaign of the DOT. He explained the DOT’s focus will expand not only in traditional destinations, but also in “opportunity markets” or new geographic destinations.