Philippine embassies located in different parts of the world should be turned into the main sellers of Philippine tourism in a bid to promote the country as a prime tourist destination.
Senatorial candidate and former Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro made this pitch during Go Negosyo's "KandidaTalks" forum on Monday night, Feb. 28, where he laid out plans to boost the country's tourism sector by way of legislation.
In particular, Teodoro said he envisions Philippine embassies across the world as the “point of sales” for Philippine tourism.
He recommended the promotion of high value tourism by targeting foreign travelers who stay longer and spend more money at their destination country.
Teodoro, who has vast experience in both the public and private sector and in various capacities, added that the government should also invest in infrastructure that would ease travel time from the airport to tourist destinations.
He also highlighted the need for health facilities to cater to the medical needs of travelers, especially amid the persisting coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
The former Tarlac congressman also said that a review of ownership of land for tourism establishments like hotels is needed in order to lure more investors in the tourism sector.
“Kung hindi ikaw ang may-ari ng anumang bagay, kung inaarkila mo lang ito, i-invest-an mo ba nang tama for the long run? (If you don't own something and are merely renting it, would you properly invest in it for the long run?). Maybe yes, maybe no.
“If you own something, you will protect it and you will invest more in it," Teodoro noted.