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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines in 'stiff competition' with other Asian countries on becoming tourism powerhouse—Marcos

Philippines in 'stiff competition' with other Asian countries on becoming tourism powerhouse—Marcos

Published May 17, 2024 04:44 am

The Philippines is in a "stiff competition" with other Asian countries in tourism development and promotion, President Marcos said.

BBM Ilocos Norte.jpg
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Photo courtesy of PPA/KJ Rosales)

Marcos said in his speech in Ilocos Norte on Friday, May 17, that the Philippines must step up its efforts in tourism like how other countries such as Thailand, Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam have been doing.

"We are in very stiff competition. Thailand has done an extremely good job in promoting tourism. Korea has done a very, very good job doing that. Indonesia, the same thing. Vietnam, the same thing," he said.

The President pointed this out as he was stating how important of an initiative the Tourism Rest Area inaugurated in Saud, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on Friday.

In order to attract more tourists to come to the Philippines, Marcos said the government should not solely focus on what it can offer in terms of destination, but the ease of traveling as well, stressing that there are "many aspects of tourism."

"It's not just the beautiful beach. It's not just the beautiful rest house or the nice hotels and the resorts that they stay in," he said.

"But it is also the ease of which they travel around, the access that we have. So, kasama diyan inaayos natin ang mga regional airports, inaayos natin ang mga pwerto (So, included there is the improvement of our regional airports, our ports)," he added.

The Chief Executive enjoined the public to "ensure the success of our tourism initiatives and make the experiences of our travelers safe, convenient, and memorable."

He also encouraged the continued engagement of the local government units, the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to safeguard, conserve the country's protected areas, particularly the Kalbario–Patapat Natural Park.

Marcos regarded the Tourism Rest Area in Ilocos Norte as an  important initiative for the country "as we want to transform the Philippines into the tourism powerhouse in Asia."

The facility aims to provide basic tourist services, amenities such as an information center to help tourists navigate the tourist sites in Ilocos Norte. It also has restrooms, charging stations, a lounge for travelers to rest and recharge while they are roaming around the province and going to other destinations.

It also hosts a pasalubong center that features locally-made products, which will be sourced from the locals.

Marcos said the same facility will also be built in various parts of the country. 

Related Tags

PH tourism Ilocos Norte President Marcos Tourism Rest Area
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