‘Stop overcharging foreigners’ Tourism stakeholders warn practice may put off tourists, ask DOT to monitor establishments

ESTABLISHMENTS should stop charging foreigners higher, tourism stakeholders told the Department of Tourism last Thursday.

“Nationality shouldn’t be a basis for price difference,” Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 Director Ahmed Quizon said during the panel discussion of the Tourism Congress last Thursday.

Cuizon said foreigners felt they were being robbed with the huge differences in prices. He said many people think foreigners are rich and charge them higher.

Latvian Consul Robert Joseph, who is also chairman emeritus of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas), described the practice as unfair. He said it should be stopped, otherwise foreigners will be discouraged from visiting the country.

Industry stakeholders asked the DOT to monitor the pricing policy of hotels, restaurants, and other tourism establishments.

“It’s a good thing that this issue came out, to stop discrimination on the basis of nationalities. If we are to increase our tourism arrivals, then we should treat everyone fairly,” Joseph said.

Jay Aldeguer, chief executive officer and president of the Islands Group of Companies, agrees on the need to stop the practice, warning that it would affect foreign tourists’ perception of Filipinos and the Philippines.

“In our business, we do not overcharge foreigners. We impose similar prices, regardless whether they are foreign or local buyers,” he said.

Instead of imposing higher fees, Joseph suggested that tourism establishments come up with discount packages for students and senior citizens, regardless of nationality.

DOT 7 Director Rowena Montecillo said they will support the call of the Tourism Congress on the pricing.

“Tourism sites being operated by LGUs (local government units) should not price themselves out of the market and fees collected should be used in the improvement of the site,” she said.

Price difference was among the key issues raised during the Tourism Congress held at the Cebu International Convention Center. Other issues discussed include the usual concerns about infrastructure, connectivity, product development and peace and order.

Cebu recorded 246,399 foreign arrivals in the first three months this year, up by 17.01 percent over last year. Koreans continued to be number one tourists in Cebu, with 100,721 arrivals, followed by Japan with 48,259 arrivals and USA with 22,278 arrivals.

Arrivals from China grew 136.10 percent, recording 12,374 arrivals in the first quarter this year compared to 5,241 arrivals in 2011. Australia was fifth with 7,178 arrivals.