TIEZA, tourism groups continue to seek financial support

MANILA, Philippines — The Tourism Investment and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), as well as tourism groups, is appealing to the House of Representatives to prioritize the financial support for the tourism stakeholders under the sector’s P10 billion allocation in the proposed Bayanihan to Recover as One or Bayanihan 2 bill in a bid to help revive the industry.

“On behalf of the tourism stakeholders, we would like to appeal to our lawmakers to prioritize the financial support and assistance to our tourism workers, travel agencies, resort and accommodation facilities and other tourism-related establishments to allow them to rebuild their businesses once the travel restrictions have been lifted,” TIEZA chief operating officer Pocholo Paragas said in a letter addressed to House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

Last week, the House of Representatives passed the amended version of the Bayanihan 2 bill or House bill 6953 on its third and final reading. Under the bill, the tourism sector’s P10 billion fund is allocated to finance the programs of the TIEZA.

Paragas said that thousands of tourism enterprises are struggling to keep their business afloat in time for the reopening of tourist destinations as the government eases travel restrictions.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) earlier reported that estimated inbound tourism revenues from January to July plunged by 72 percent to P81 billion from P284 billion in the same period last year as travel restrictions remain in place amid the pandemic.

In addition, international visitor arrivals during the period dropped by 73 percent to 1.3 million.

Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) president Jose Clemente pointed out earlier that this means the industry has lost about P190 billion in revenues during the quarantine periods of March to July.

Philippine Travel Agencies Association president Ritchie Tuano said travel agencies have lost about P20.3 billion in international ticket sales alone in the first half. This excludes other revenue streams of travel agents such as travel and tour packages, among others.

Paragas said the DOT, in consultation with the stakeholders, has already prepared a tourism response and recovery plan to enable the tourism sector get back on its feet.

“They can also be accountable in managing the finance programs that will assist the recovery of the entire industry. Without the direct financial support from the government, the tourism micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) cannot rebuild their businesses and pay for the salaries of their workers,”Paragas said.

“With your kind support and cooperation, we hope that we can revive the Philippine tourism sector to continue to become a growth driver to our economy,”Paragas said.

The tourism industry accounted for a 12.7 percent share in the country’s gross domestic product(GDP) last year. It also accounted for 13.5 percent of total employment during the period as the sector generated 5.71 million.