EDITORIAL - Tourism for all

Every year approximately 1.2 billion people travel abroad, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Many countries have turned tourism into a pillar of economic growth. China, whose export-oriented economy has been hit by weak global demand, is pushing tourism as an engine of growth, pouring resources to develop infrastructure and train workers for the travel and tourism industry.

The Philippines, despite being blessed with world-class travel attractions, has a lot of catching up to do in tourism even within Southeast Asia. Malaysia, Thailand and even tiny Singapore long surpassed the Philippines in tourist arrivals and receipts. Indonesia has recovered from the terrorist bombings in its top destination, the resort island of Bali. If the Philippines does not give the travel industry more attention, the country may soon eat the dust of Vietnam and Cambodia, with Myanmar close behind.  

As the Philippines joined the celebration of World Tourism Day, industry players expressed optimism that the country may achieve the targeted 10 million annual tourist arrivals within five years – modest by regional standards – and 60 million in domestic travelers. But this must be complemented by improvements in tourism infrastructure, better air connectivity and overall reforms in the industry.

The Tourism Congress of the Philippines also noted that the tourism sector must have more trained workers to promote growth. This effort will provide employment even at the grassroots, with the job opportunities created right in the workers’ own communities. Training workers in the tourism sector will also raise their awareness of the value of protecting the environment.

This year’s theme for World Tourism Day on Sept. 27 is “Tourism for All” – an emphasis on the need to make traveling for leisure accessible to all, including persons with disabilities and the elderly. Providing such access will also require people trained to care for travelers with special needs. Creating employment and attracting more tourists are twin goals that deserve more focus from the government.