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Philippines

A Good Year for Tourism
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: VINCE G. LOPEZ
Date: 2009-12-19
 
"People should look out for new activities and events more than just destinations. Activities such as zip lines, wakeboarding, bird-watching, glamping, pilgrimages should lead to new exciting destinations in the country,” said Eduardo Jarque Jr., Department of Tourism (DoT) Undersecretary regarding the future of Philippine Tourism.

The past year has seen gigantic growth in domestic tourism with more than a hundred percent growth in Camarines Sur. But overall, there was a 17 percent growth in tourist arrivals in the country which made 2009 a good year for Philippine tourism.

“Our destinations have claimed international famethe Puerto Princesa River in the New 7 Wonders of Nature, (one of the top 77 sites currently in the running), Cordillera was named one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime: Greatest Destinations in the World,” by the National Geographic-Traveler magazine, our dive sites have been hailed as one of the best in several international magazines,” Jarque said.

The North East Asian Market accounted for the bulk of the total foreign tourists with 59 percent while the Chinese and Taiwanese arrivals posted 23 percent and 16 percent respectively. The country has also garnered numerous awards in tourism such as “Asia’s Most Popular Destination” in the World Travel Fair in Shanghai, China. The Philippines was also among Japan’s Top Five Diving areas and is considered as one of the world’s top 100.

“I attribute the year’s triumph to the sensible cohesion and balance of different programs and campaigns. The markets have matured and awareness for new destinations is up. Tourism stakeholders, private sectors different groups and local government units are working together, and are in sync,” Jarque added.

But it was also the DoT’s programs that brought in tourists to explore the country, particularly its recent partnership with MTV Asia - “Biyaheng Pinoy with Apl”. The campaign gave a fresh look at promoting the Philippines to other parts of the world. The DoT also strengthened the foundation of tourism with the Mabuhay Guides Training Program and Tourism Apprenticeship Program.

Kayaking was a hit for tourists seeking an adventure at the launch of the Kayak Philippines book at the Philippine Travel Exchange ’09 (Phitex). The book highlights Kayak trails in the country such as beaches, lagoons, rivers, lakes, springs and fjords.

But the highlight was the recent convening of the Tourism Congress that is expected to benefit the industry next year. The DoT promulgated the implementing Rules and Regulations of the Tourism Act of 2009 or Republic Act No. 9593.

“A lot of the changes that the structure will undergo with the Tourism Congress will be for the best,” concluded Jarque.



[ Camarines Sur Wiki | Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Wiki ]

 

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