Tourism industry gets a major boost; puts Cebu in world map

he tourism industry got a major boost recently when it successfully concluded the 6th international forum for Parliamentarians and local authorities at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu City.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo graced the opening ceremony with a huge crowd of international delegates from 157 countries who converged under one roof to tackle world tourism issues.

PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

Arroyo, although upbeat on the prospects of tourism, said that while it is good to see discussions focus on addressing challenges confronting tourism, it is also apt to look beyond the difficulties posed by the current global economic crises.

"We must not lose sight of its impact on the ordinary people who bear the brunt of these fluctuations," the President said.

The President emphasized the need to address the major issues that continue to influence directions of global tourism such as climate change, the role of women, and the relationship between tourism and poverty alleviation.

According to her, protecting the environment is one of the top priorities that the tourism sector seeks to achieve. Reiterating one program under the Green Philippines strategy is the Coral Triangle Initiative, a program that seeks to protect the rich coral areas in our region.

Arroyo said that preserving the coral triangle will maintain the country’s reputation as the best diving destination in the world.

"Sustainable growth should not fall on the backs of the poor or erode our environment," she pointed out. "Yes, there is a price to make the Green Philippines come to life, but the cost will be greater without the investment in our people and our environment."

JOB CREATION

Arroyo also cited the role of women in tourism, saying that wholesome jobs like souvenir handicrafts and spa therapy have been created because of tourism. Conservation efforts like mangrove protection and clean-up dives, and marketing and promotion are areas that lend themselves well to gender parity.

With the creation of the community-based tourism initiative called Grassroots Entrepreneurship in Ecotourism (GREET), tourism indeed is a major creator of jobs and livelihood.

GREET, Arroyo said, has benefited almost 4,000 households in 15 determined tourism destinations in the country. "Global economic realities threaten the fight to reduce poverty worldwide. But we must stay hopeful. Let us keep our faith in tourism as a powerful instrument to alleviate poverty," Arroyo said.

THE STATE OF WORLD TOURISM

Meanwhile, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General Francesco Frangialli shared some updates on world tourism. "Experience teaches us that tourism is resilient," said Frangialli, citing that in the first few months of 2008, tourism showed an astonishing capacity to react, and demand has remained steady despite the global economic crises.

International tourism receipts amounted to US$ 856 billion last year, representing a 5.6 percent increase from 2006. In the first few months of 2008, worldwide arrivals grew at a still-satisfactory pace, although a bit lower than the particularly strong performance in 2007.

"The need to go on trips, to take holidays, is too strong in our post-industrial societies for people to stop travelling," the UN tourism head said. "During economic downturn, the demand for leisure perhaps manifests itself in other forms, but it remains intact for the most part. Tourism is less vulnerable than other economic sectors to the fluctuations of the current situation."

According to Frangialli, growth will be more robust because businesses, consumers, governments, and international institutions like the UNWTO are now better able to anticipate shocks and respond more effectively to crises.

"Travelers are better informed; they have learned to make allowances and place security concerns among other considerations in choosing their destinations. Following each crisis, response capabilities become stronger and the return to normality comes more rapidly," he said.

He boldly pointed out: "International tourism will undoubtedly be affected, but is it our conviction that is still has a bright future ahead."

OPENING UP THE COUNTRY

In consonance with the three-day forum, a MOA signing between the Department of Tourism and the Bureau of Immigration on Visa Upon Arrival was also held with Tourism Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano and Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan at the helm.

The MOA on Visa Upon Arrival allows emerging markets with the option to fly straight to the country through a tour operator as per accreditation from DOT and BOI.

"This really makes our jobs a lot easier in opening up new markets for Philippine tourism," Durano said. "You know, this single act of the BOI does more for us than another P 500 million promotion budget and it will go a long way in allowing us to take advantage of opportunities in tourism."

In a written statement, Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. said that although this international tourism forum tackles global issues on tourism, the delegates were also able to experience a glimpse of what our beautiful country has to offer. "This is also a good opportunity to take pride of our tourism destinations and products, and allow our foreign friends to experience Filipino hospitality," Jarque said.

A TASTE OF FILIPINO HOSPITALITY

Hence, DOT has made certain arrangements to the delight of the visitors and delegates present. Foreign delegates were treated to a Filipiniana-inspired gala dinner, hosted by premier broadcaster David Celdran.

The participants enjoyed feasting on native Pinoy fare, cultural, and colorful dances performed by the world-renowned Bayanihan Dancers.

This was followed by a fashion show dubbed as ‘Glimpses of Philippine Lifestyle’ held at SM Cebu, where the finest Cebu designs were featured.

The Best of Cebu was also showcased as the grand finale, highlighting Cebu’s world-class artistry and talent held during the farewell dinner at the Cebu International Convention Center. Delegates danced the night away in a bash with celebration, fun, and excitement.

The four-day international forum ended with an island-hopping spree where delegates were toured around the neighboring island of Bohol and Cebu.

This tourism event drew international media mileage, putting the best of Cebu and Bohol on the world map again as destinations of world-class tourism.