Hurting tourism

The Land Transportation Office just got the hang of making their operations against colorum vehicles serious. In a matter of five months, they have impounded about 50 vehicles which they have identified to be illegally plying the roads with passengers. These drivers are either drove vehicles with no registration or no franchise at all. It’s a good thing that they are serious in this campaign to keep the tourists safe but oftentimes they are seen as the antagonists.

Because of their operations, tourists on board are forced to get off and take another ride towards their destination. The tourism sector is scared that this will reach their homeland and that the word of mouth, which is greater than any form of media, will hurt the image that this country is trying to protect. They haven’t thought of the fact that the presence of colorum vehicles is hurting the tourism industry even more. It is a reflection of the poor regulation of the different agencies against these tourist transports.

It is very easy to go colorum since operators don’t have to pay large franchise fees to the government. There is no fixed price, no liability or accountability at all. The only thing is that it doesn’t protect the tourists when something goes wrong. Records must be made properly as we should treat every tourist as a special visitor. They are our gateways to many more connections outside our country and the key to making our place a fixed destination for every country. Too much greediness is not beneficial at all to the community.

If only we can speak to those who are operating colorum vehicles. I’d personally tell them to stop operating illegally and just follow the law. How hard is it to just follow? In school we were taught to be kind, good, and be obedient but here we are years after as an adult trying to circumvent the law to our own advantage. I know we are all trying to look for money in this difficult times but nothing beats being legal. All those fees paid will definitely be worth it. Tourists may also be wise enough to look for ways to save but I’m sure they are also willing to pay to secure their own safety.

The colorum industry is fast growing and it scares me thinking that one day it might get out of hand. Before things get worse, operators should let their conscience reign in their minds that they should be making things right. Otherwise we are bound for a disaster. Apart from damaging the tourism industry in this country, many might also be affected and injured. It pays to make things right.

The Boracay closure has given us good effects but there is a domino effect that is bad for the rest. We should be wise enough to fight for what is right. LTO has been firm. If we won’t advocate for these kinds of transportation, I guess they won’t last long enough.