New DOT chief: Pray for more tourists

The new secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) admitted yesterday that the country is facing a slump in the tourism industry, and called for prayers and support from both allies and critics to reverse the trend.

Speaking before the Manila Overseas Press Club breakfast forum at the Ristorante La Dolce Fontana in Greenhills, San Juan, newly appointed Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the department is enforcing short and medium term programs to bring in five million tourists by 2010.

"With our projection of five million tourist arrivals in 2010 through the implementation of the McKinze Plan and China Study, I do not need praises nor criticisms. All I need is your support and prayers," the three-term congressman from Danao City in Cebu said.

Durano was referring to the recommendations of the US-based McKinze tourism consultancy firm the DOT commissioned to bail the country out of its tourism woes, as well steps to lure in visitors from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.

The tourism industry is one of the major dollar earners that sustain and support the country’s foreign currency requirements.

Statistically, Durano said that the current slump is reflected not only in actual number of tourist arrivals but also that today’s tourist generally spends less per diem than he did 10 years ago.

In 1994, each foreign tourist spent $1,450 a day compared to $798 daily last year.

But with the expected arrival of foreign tourists from mainland China and four other North Asian countries, Durano said tourist spending cannot but increase.

"Once this target is realized, this will easily translate into a multi-million dollar income for the government and stop the decline in the country’s tourism industry," Durano said.

He said that under the McKinze program, the DOT has already identified eight major tourist destinations in the country, all of which he assured are safe for visitors.

These are Metro Manila, Subic-Clark areas in Pampanga/Zambales, Ilocos, Cordillera, Palawan, the Cebu-Siargao corridor, Boracay and the Davao cluster.

Emphasizing the safety of foreign tourists, Durano said the DOT already has special agreements with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) regarding this aspect.

"In the case of Palawan, though it was not publicized, the AFP has already created Task Force Stingray," Durano said. "Stingray" is in charge of the protection of tourists in the area to prevent a repeat of the May 27, 2001 abduction of local and foreign tourists at Dos Palmas island resort by Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Durano also added that newly appointed PNP chief Director General Edgar Aglipay has already agreed to train tourist policemen who will be posted in areas classified as prime destinations by the DOT.

"One of the major stumbling blocks in our tourism campaign before was the problem of peace and order. But these concerns have already been addressed," he told the forum.

Meanwhile, senior leaders of the House of Representatives hailed the appointment of a former colleague to head the DOT, calling it a "significant step" in a renewed government drive to boost tourist arrivals and promote the Philippines as a major tourist destination in the region.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, House committee on accounts chairman, said Durano represents a new generation of leaders who are extremely capable and well-educated and have a strong desire to boost the country’s performance.

"Congressman Durano should bring a fresh approach to the tourism industry, and he comes in well qualified, with a strong sense of what he can do to improve the industry," Barbers said.

Others who welcomed Durano as tourism czar are Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. and Camiguin Rep. JJ Romualdo, both on the House contingent in the Commission on Appointments.

The three echoed Speaker Jose de Venecia’s previous observation that the House has become an excellent training ground for Cabinet secretaries and other senior leaders of government.

President Arroyo has appointed two other prominent lawmakers, former congressmen Florencio Abad of Batanes and Raul Gonzalez of Iloilo to head the departments of education and justice, respectively. – Jaime Laude