Strengthening weak tourism with Tourism Week
August 14, 2001 | 12:00am
In September the Philippines celebrates National Tourism Week. Activities have been varied through the years in an attempt to address the needs of the times. Today, the travel and tourism industry is in a unique and peculiar situation.
Earlier this week, I discussed with a number of association leaders – the pillars of the country’s travel trade – institutionalizing this decisive annual event.
Here are their wish lists.
Liela San Agustin Salgado, president and general manager of Pacific Rent-a-Car, and president of Association of Car Rentals Company, Inc. (ACRCI): Here’s what I want to see, have more of and less of, during the National Tourism Week.
1. More early planning and less cramming in the finalization of the different components of the event.
2. The private sector taking on major roles in the committees formed by the DOT for these celebrations.
3. More workshops and case study-oriented fora and less of seminars featuring boring or overly intellectual speakers. The topics should be geared more to the workforce and less towards the CEOs.
4. More active participation of not just a few members of the hospitality industry but the entire world of travel and tourism – from airlines, hotels, resorts, tour operators, congress and event organizers, tourist transport operators, restaurants, specialized groups such as the LGUs, the shopping establishments, fashion designers, tourism students and many others. These sectors can organize fun-filled activities.
5. A partnership with the fourth estate.
6. More international flavor with the involvement of the diplomatic corps, international airlines and the expat community.
Lynne Z. Romero, president, WorldExco Inc, and president of Association of Professional Congress Exhibition Organizers & Suppliers (APCEOS): On the occasion of National Tourism Week from September 17-23, here’s my wish list:
1. Appreciation of government, and the public in general, for the positive impact of tourism on the country, how immediately it contributes foreign currency to the economy, how it generates jobs at all levels, and why both executive and legislative branches as well as LGUs should support its programs, especially its budget for international promotion.
2. Results-oriented dialogue between stakeholders within the private tourism sector and government agencies concerned so they’ll have a clearer understanding of our needs in terms of better infrastructure, less chaos at NAIA, better service from frontliners, immigration, customs people, taxi and bus drivers, and law enforcers.
3. Launch more tourism attractions easily accessible from Metro Manila, a village showcasing our hand-made products, weaving, silver jewelry making, etc. (Right now our main attractions are the shopping malls!) Revamp our tour packages such as the orchid/butterfly farm packages.
4. Beautification program – cleaning and greening, having more landscaped grounds, trees, plants, flowers, streetlights – less trash.
5. Genuine Filipino welcome at hotel lobbies, – music, color, culture, dances, costumes.
6. Less sensationalism in media.
Remedios Raymundo, president and managing director of Southeast Travel and Tours, and chair of Pacific Asia Travel Association-Philippine Chapter: Let’s stop daydreaming and keep both our feet on the ground. Forget the bongas and tonterias. Forget meaningless news reports and does-not-say-anything-important press releases. Let’s instead concentrate on substantive matters. In place of unproductive song-and-dance happenings, adopt worthwhile projects such as tree planting to green the areas, educational exhibits focusing on what the provincial destinations may offer and relevant lectures on the various aspects of travel by experts in the field. Address the real concerns of the industry and the nation and resolve the problems with doable solutions.
Felix Christopher M. Alegre III, executive vice president of Tours Spectrum, Inc., and president of Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA): The government, private sector and all Filipinos should realize that tourism is the biggest industry in the world. Along with this comes the proper mindset to preserve our environment and pitch in to solve the problems besetting us. The present predicaments that we face – peace and order, pollution, garbage and traffic – are national in scope and affect tourism as well because what we are is what we promote. That’s why we must get our act together for the industry and our nation to flourish.
Without a doubt, there are certain specific matters that have to be looked into and highlighted during the observance of the National Tourism Week.
Here is my seven-point dream sheet:
1. Quick resolution of the Abu Sayyaf problem with the release of all hostages.
2. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should announced the same commitment to tourism – similar to the one made to agriculture. She should hold office at the Department of Tourism during Tourism Week.
3. Put in place a sound and aggressive legislative agenda that will address our particular specific problems.
4. Formal involvement of the private sector in the general direction setting of the industry.
5. Re-assessment of development plans of important and emerging destinations.
6. Launch numerous sales missions to key target markets.
7. Launch a countryside awareness program on the potential of tourism for generating monetary gains that will benefit everyone.
Rosvi Gaetos, deputy executive director, Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation: Having organized the National Tourism week last year, I would like to believe I have a hands-on feel of what it needs more of and less of.
More cooperation from the DOT- attached agencies such as the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, Philippine Tourism Authority, National Parks and Development Committee, Corregidor Foundation, Intramuros Administration, Nayong Pilipino and Duty Free Philippines. This will help lessen bureaucratic red tape. All should realize that the National Tourism Week is truly a concerted effort, and each institution has an important role to play, supporting and contributing to the success of the event regardless who heads the organizing committee.
National Tourism Week needs more substance, less frivolous showcases. This we tried to do in 2000 when we incorporated the National Tourism Forum which I hope will be continued and sustained over the years.
More action, less talk. Need I say more?
Ricky V. Ordoñez, executive vice president of Delmar Travel and Tours, and president of Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA): Every year, the National Tourism Week comes and goes with no fanfare. It doesn’t create a ripple as far as the public’s attitude towards tourism is concerned. In an ideal situation, my vision of a real NTW will be one filled with the following:
1. A nationwide, tri-media message from the President of the Philippines pointing out the benefits of an improved tourism industry.
2. The Department of Tourism coordinating with other government agencies to draw attention to a culture of tourism. It should spearhead the presentation of tourism workshops, seminars and exhibitions, cultural shows and concerts.
3. All government agencies participating in tourism awareness programs and the local government units sponsoring an "adopt a tourist" project.
4. All schools at all levels holding their very own mini tourism conferences.
5. Television sitcoms using tourism-related story lines.
6. Talk shows like On Line, Tell The People Now, Point Blank and the like and investigative journalism programs like Pipol, Correspondents, Cheche Lazaro Presents focusing on the positive impact of tourism.
My wish is for every Filipino – starting with the National Tourism Week – to appreciate what tourism may bring to the improvement of the quality of life.
Earlier this week, I discussed with a number of association leaders – the pillars of the country’s travel trade – institutionalizing this decisive annual event.
Here are their wish lists.
Liela San Agustin Salgado, president and general manager of Pacific Rent-a-Car, and president of Association of Car Rentals Company, Inc. (ACRCI): Here’s what I want to see, have more of and less of, during the National Tourism Week.
1. More early planning and less cramming in the finalization of the different components of the event.
2. The private sector taking on major roles in the committees formed by the DOT for these celebrations.
3. More workshops and case study-oriented fora and less of seminars featuring boring or overly intellectual speakers. The topics should be geared more to the workforce and less towards the CEOs.
4. More active participation of not just a few members of the hospitality industry but the entire world of travel and tourism – from airlines, hotels, resorts, tour operators, congress and event organizers, tourist transport operators, restaurants, specialized groups such as the LGUs, the shopping establishments, fashion designers, tourism students and many others. These sectors can organize fun-filled activities.
5. A partnership with the fourth estate.
6. More international flavor with the involvement of the diplomatic corps, international airlines and the expat community.
Lynne Z. Romero, president, WorldExco Inc, and president of Association of Professional Congress Exhibition Organizers & Suppliers (APCEOS): On the occasion of National Tourism Week from September 17-23, here’s my wish list:
1. Appreciation of government, and the public in general, for the positive impact of tourism on the country, how immediately it contributes foreign currency to the economy, how it generates jobs at all levels, and why both executive and legislative branches as well as LGUs should support its programs, especially its budget for international promotion.
2. Results-oriented dialogue between stakeholders within the private tourism sector and government agencies concerned so they’ll have a clearer understanding of our needs in terms of better infrastructure, less chaos at NAIA, better service from frontliners, immigration, customs people, taxi and bus drivers, and law enforcers.
3. Launch more tourism attractions easily accessible from Metro Manila, a village showcasing our hand-made products, weaving, silver jewelry making, etc. (Right now our main attractions are the shopping malls!) Revamp our tour packages such as the orchid/butterfly farm packages.
4. Beautification program – cleaning and greening, having more landscaped grounds, trees, plants, flowers, streetlights – less trash.
5. Genuine Filipino welcome at hotel lobbies, – music, color, culture, dances, costumes.
6. Less sensationalism in media.
Remedios Raymundo, president and managing director of Southeast Travel and Tours, and chair of Pacific Asia Travel Association-Philippine Chapter: Let’s stop daydreaming and keep both our feet on the ground. Forget the bongas and tonterias. Forget meaningless news reports and does-not-say-anything-important press releases. Let’s instead concentrate on substantive matters. In place of unproductive song-and-dance happenings, adopt worthwhile projects such as tree planting to green the areas, educational exhibits focusing on what the provincial destinations may offer and relevant lectures on the various aspects of travel by experts in the field. Address the real concerns of the industry and the nation and resolve the problems with doable solutions.
Felix Christopher M. Alegre III, executive vice president of Tours Spectrum, Inc., and president of Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA): The government, private sector and all Filipinos should realize that tourism is the biggest industry in the world. Along with this comes the proper mindset to preserve our environment and pitch in to solve the problems besetting us. The present predicaments that we face – peace and order, pollution, garbage and traffic – are national in scope and affect tourism as well because what we are is what we promote. That’s why we must get our act together for the industry and our nation to flourish.
Without a doubt, there are certain specific matters that have to be looked into and highlighted during the observance of the National Tourism Week.
Here is my seven-point dream sheet:
1. Quick resolution of the Abu Sayyaf problem with the release of all hostages.
2. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should announced the same commitment to tourism – similar to the one made to agriculture. She should hold office at the Department of Tourism during Tourism Week.
3. Put in place a sound and aggressive legislative agenda that will address our particular specific problems.
4. Formal involvement of the private sector in the general direction setting of the industry.
5. Re-assessment of development plans of important and emerging destinations.
6. Launch numerous sales missions to key target markets.
7. Launch a countryside awareness program on the potential of tourism for generating monetary gains that will benefit everyone.
Rosvi Gaetos, deputy executive director, Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation: Having organized the National Tourism week last year, I would like to believe I have a hands-on feel of what it needs more of and less of.
More cooperation from the DOT- attached agencies such as the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, Philippine Tourism Authority, National Parks and Development Committee, Corregidor Foundation, Intramuros Administration, Nayong Pilipino and Duty Free Philippines. This will help lessen bureaucratic red tape. All should realize that the National Tourism Week is truly a concerted effort, and each institution has an important role to play, supporting and contributing to the success of the event regardless who heads the organizing committee.
National Tourism Week needs more substance, less frivolous showcases. This we tried to do in 2000 when we incorporated the National Tourism Forum which I hope will be continued and sustained over the years.
More action, less talk. Need I say more?
Ricky V. Ordoñez, executive vice president of Delmar Travel and Tours, and president of Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA): Every year, the National Tourism Week comes and goes with no fanfare. It doesn’t create a ripple as far as the public’s attitude towards tourism is concerned. In an ideal situation, my vision of a real NTW will be one filled with the following:
1. A nationwide, tri-media message from the President of the Philippines pointing out the benefits of an improved tourism industry.
2. The Department of Tourism coordinating with other government agencies to draw attention to a culture of tourism. It should spearhead the presentation of tourism workshops, seminars and exhibitions, cultural shows and concerts.
3. All government agencies participating in tourism awareness programs and the local government units sponsoring an "adopt a tourist" project.
4. All schools at all levels holding their very own mini tourism conferences.
5. Television sitcoms using tourism-related story lines.
6. Talk shows like On Line, Tell The People Now, Point Blank and the like and investigative journalism programs like Pipol, Correspondents, Cheche Lazaro Presents focusing on the positive impact of tourism.
My wish is for every Filipino – starting with the National Tourism Week – to appreciate what tourism may bring to the improvement of the quality of life.
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