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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider More senators support DOT's efforts to boost PH tourism

More senators support DOT's efforts to boost PH tourism

Published Jun 29, 2023 03:21 am
More senators have expressed their support to the efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to boost the country’s tourism after it launched the new “Love the Philippines” slogan three days ago. “The Philippines has a lot to offer to become a world-class destination,’’ said Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate public services committee,  on Thursday June 29, said. “We recognize the efforts of the DOT to inspire travelers to visit and relish in the country's natural beauty and unique culture,” she added. Poe, however, cautioned that such catchy tourism slogans must not be thwarted by cringeworthy travelers' experience. “We must start by improving services at our airports, which are not only the nation's gateway but also the first and last impression a tourist gets of the Philippines,” she stressed. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, on the other hand, emphasized that he supports the DOT’s efforts to “boost tourism in our country, and in turn, provide more job opportunities for our countrymen.” Villanueva noted that in 2022, the tourism industry accounted for 11.4 percent of the country’s labor sector and contributed 6.2 percent  to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “The country is also slowly going back to our pre-pandemic numbers on the number of tourists coming to the country,” he said. Latest data from the DOT shows that as of May 2023, the country has recorded more than two million visitors, he also noted. “But in order to attract more tourists, we need to have a whole-of-government approach in tourism promotion,” he said. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, in 2022, the top 3 Inbound Tourism Expenditure or expenditures of non-resident tourists are food and beverage services, accommodation services, and transport services aside from shopping, Villanueva cited. “Thus, aside from the tourism campaign launched by the DOT, we also need to take measures to improve our transportation system, including our airports which are the gateways to the country,’’ he added. Earlier, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the new DOT slogan should be given a chance to succeed. “While I believe in the saying ‘if it ain’t broke, why fix it?’, I am willing to give it a chance,’’ he added.

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Senator Grace Poe DOT Senator Joel Villanueva tourism slogan
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