Tourism industry sees Gordon as new ally in Senate

The Department of Tourism (DoT) and key players in the tourism industry see former tourism chief and now senator-elect Richard Gordon as a new ally in the Upper House. Tourism officials and the private sector are highly optimistic that Gordon will head the Senate Committee on Tourism having been in the industry’s frontline for three years.

Expansion of tourism budget tops the list of Gordon who believes that tourism is the fastest way to growth. Gordon, during his stint at the DoT, has been very bullish in marketing the country worldwide despite meager budget for tourism promotions.

Undersecretary Armand Arreza of the DoT Internal Service said "The Department welcomes all the support from the former tourism secretary, specially for a bigger tourism budget, " Arreza noted that the Philippines has the lowest budget for tourism promotions as compared to competitors in the South East Asian Region. He cited that the Philippines spends US$ 2 per tourist while other countries in the region spend over US$10 each.

Former PHILTOA president Kelly Boncan, on the other hand, said "Gordon knows what type of legislation the tourism needs. It would be great for the industry if he will be given the tourism committee chairmanship. Tourism creates jobs. Newly-elected senator Gordon as Chair of the Senate Committee on Tourism will definitely be a proponent in fast tracking tourism projects and programs."

For Gordon, bigger budget for promotions and improved infrastructures are his major concerns in tourism. He lamented, however, that for the government to focus and start off with its agenda, Congress should be able to finish soon the counting of the certificates of canvass.

"The significant increase in tourism arrivals for the first quarter of this year should not go to waste," Gordon added. "We should be able to immediately get back on our feet after elections and show the world we are okey," he added.

Gordon, a true advocate of tourism growth, has made famous the campaign "Tourism means jobs." Under his term, he opened opportunities for thousands of Filipinos to earn a living while showcasing their talents and products through projects he initiated in the "Best of the Regions" showcase in History Town Intramuros and HILAGA in Pampanga.

Gordon further lauded the efforts of new DoT chief Roberto Pagdanganan for continuing the WOW Philippines programs. He further assures all-out support for the tourism industry.