DTI collaborates with DOT to map out tourism value chain

CEBU, Philippines -  The Department of Trade and Industry Cebu Provincial Office (DTI-CPO), and the Department of Tourism (DOT-7) will start its collaboration to map out the value-chain of tourism that would boost several industries in the province.

DTI-CPO provincial director Nelia F. Navarro said each agency has allocated P50,000 each to fund for this collaboration, as the PNoy government mandated these two agencies to work closely together to maximize tourism as the country’s major economic savior in this generation.

Initially, Navarro said the two agencies may use the existing study made by the DOT that showed some suggestions on how to take advantage tourism to boost small industries, even the residents in a particular tourism spot.

In a separate earlier interview with DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte said that the in the regional scope, the partnership will also make use of its own trade and tourism value chain through the help of German Technical Cooperation—Small and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program (GTZ-Smedsep).

The value-chain roadmap will identify the trail of tourism destinations in these regions at the same time discover the best products that will be sold to tourists in each destination.

Caberte was recently asked by the national government to “champion” this strategy concept, coaching the rest of the regions to employ the same system.

Part of the plan, is also to encourage establishment of “Souvenir Shopping Malls” in growth centers, to serve as the major venue for souvenir products in the region.

“Tourism is the big market left untapped by our producers especially in the countryside areas,” Caberte said.

With the strong collaboration with DOT, the trade agency in each region will be able to bridge producers direct to the market—tourists.

Although tourism has been one of the country’s fastest growing sectors in recent years, the souvenir industry still considered as “cottage industry,” despite the fact that its potential is now at its peak.

According to Caberte this initiative will pave the way for a tremendous growth of the souvenir industry sector, and would encourage countryside residents to start off a promising souvenir business, with the help of the two agencies in the government.

Part of the roadmap, is also to provide training for rural folks on how to maximize tourism as a market for their local products-- good packaging, improved quality and product presentation, among others.

Successful souvenir industry player, Jay P. Aldeguer earlier said that if proper support can be given to the players of souvenir industry—specifically directing them to higher business perspective, souvenir industry in the Philippines could easily become one of the largest and fastest growing industries.

DOT record showed that about 80 percent of the tourism spending goes to souvenirs. The Philippines generates average of P31 million tourism-related revenues.

According to Caberte proper venue for the small souvenir traders in small islands or destination for instance, should be installed. Professionalizing the players by introducing a fair price practice should also be introduced. (FREEMAN)