Tourism an economic growth driver in ASEAN – DOT

The tourism industry is an important component that helps in driving the economic growth of all Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, especially for developing countries like the Philippines.

This was highlighted by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat during the Tourism Summit 2019 that was held yesterday, May 2, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

"Southeast Asia is unique in the world and it is most certainly our region's diversity that has made our destination popular with tourists from around the globe," said Puyat.

Puyat said that tourist arrivals to ASEAN states accounted

for 9.5 percent of world tourist arrivals in 2017.There were 269.8 million ASEAN international air passengers during the said year.

"It is anticipated that by 2020, the contribution of ASEAN tourism could increase from 12 percent to 15 percent. Tourism share to total employment in the region could increase from 3.7 percent to even 7 percent. And per capita spending by international tourists could increase from US$887 to US$1500," said Puyat.

Highlighting PH Tourism

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, tourism industry in the Philippines has contributed 12.2 percent to the country's Gross Domestic Product in 2017. This translates to 1.9 trillion earnings and "a boost for the Philippine economy," said Puyat.

The tourism chief said that tourist arrivals in the Philippines have been increasing steadily in the last decade.

In 2018, 7.1 million international tourist visited the country, which is a 7.65 percent increase compared to 2017. "That's our most, to date," said Puyat.

In 2017, 13.1 percent of total employment was directly attributed to the tourism sector, which translates to 5.3 million jobs for Filipinos, she added.

"Our plan for the Philippines is to be a quality destination," said Puyat.

To achieve that goal, Puyat said the DOT will prioritize adequate infrastructure, ease in travel facilitation, safety and security, and develop tourism areas.

"To ensure that we get this done, the DOT is implementing a convergence approach where the department works in partnership with other national government agencies," she said.

Under the DOT convergence program, Puyat said that they are working with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrading of the country's domestic and international airports.

Currently, the Philippines has 12 international gateways that "service 49 tourism development areas in the Philippines and eight had already undergone rehabilitation and improvement."

"The Philippines is surrounded by water which means that 98 percent of tourists arrive by air. That makes it vital for us to build more gateways as well as improve the existing ones that we have," said Puyat.

Puyat added that her department is closely coordinating with the DOTr

in developing ports which "tourists can use to connect from island to island."

"With better airports, seaports, and roads, we're not only bringing local and international tourists to these destinations but we also provide rural areas with improved transportation, access to goods, employment opportunities and livelihood," she said.

Invest in PH tourism

The tourism chief has invited local and regional business sectors "to invest in developing in our tourism areas."

"We welcome all kinds of businesses from accommodation to food and beverage services. We need transport operators, tour and travel agencies. We require facilities that will help us provide tourists the best experience whatever product they choose – from beach adventures to wellness retreats," said Puyat.

"The DOT is asking all of you to be our partners," she added.

Puyat emphasized that all sectors should work together to further improve the country's tourism.

"We all need to work together. Bayanihan is a cherished Filipino value. It is about championing the value of working together towards a common goal and for the common good. To truly make a change in people's lives, we need to involve the communities and that includes the private sector," said Puyat.

The summit was spearheaded by Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and founder of Go Negosyo Joey Concepcion. At least 10,000 individuals participated in the event.

Concepcion said the summit was an "avenue for new learnings that

can bring inclusive growth for all."

"The Philippines is blessed with abundant natural resources and islands which can be used in creating enterprises and livelihood opportunities for our countrymen," he said.