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TOURISM PLANS, AND MORE PLANS
The Philippine Star It seems timely that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration came out with its decision to downgrade our aviation industry to a lower level, something would likely impact on our tourism efforts. We will, however, reserve a future column to tackle this in more detail. Instead, I would like to continue where we left off in Monday's column. We need an efficient transport system that will bring air passenger arrivals at major airports to the center of the city or the tourist destination in a painless, instant fashion. A Manila-Clark railway system or even an airport highway, according to foreign observers is essential. In In the same breath, priority in developing airports in the provinces must be rationalized. While we are all for the development of world class airports for the sake of tourism, priority must be given to provinces that host the most popular destinations. Easily the most sought after destination in the country is Boracay in Aklan province. Yet the province is serviced by airports in Kalibo and Caticlan with very limited capabilities in handling direct international flights. So why did we build a multi-billion peso airport in nearby This is where we lose out. If Kalibo, Caticlan, Tagbilaran ( Our tourism marketing man in Reinventing WOW Powdery white sand beaches, azure-blue waters, panoramic mountain views and other natural wonders and formations are the country's top tourist draws, which, however, is likewise being showcased by neighboring tourism-conscious countries in the region. Hence, to make Philippine tour packages more interesting – and exciting, there must be new, innovative products offered to tourists to complement the usual ones. ‘More than the usual,' as the promotional tagline goes. A British tour organizer recently praised local culinary delights and delicacies, and went on to say that Filipino food, if promoted properly and aggressively, could be another major tourist drawer. And rightly so. The country is home not only to the finest culinary experts but also exotic, sumptuous, rare and interesting cuisines and delicacies. While Thai and Indian food are known for being spicy, and Japanese cuisine is synonymous to sushi and sashimi, Filipino food can also make it to international culinary stage with the kilawin, balut, buro, durian, sisig, chicken inasal and other hearty, mouth-watering regional dishes prepared by renowned culinary geniuses from Pampanga, Cebu, Bicol region, Ilocos. Good food and great sights make better tourist attractions. Aside from the usual street festivals and dancing, we can be a more adventurous and exciting destination by offering occult / supernatural tours in Siquijor similar to the voodoo tours offered in the Southern part of the U.S., or the Dracula tours in Romania. Why not an aswang festival in Capiz? It's about time we make more economic use of our mythical folklore. If in the medical tourism area, reconstructive surgery is considered the forte of In the fast-paced era of globalization, one cannot afford to be stagnant, especially in the highly lucrative and competitive global industry like tourism. Constant and sustainable improvement and value added services could help the Philippine tourism industry surge ahead, if not keep in step with or give competition a serious run for their money. Legislative support for tourism Pro-tourism legislators have been crafting initiatives aimed at maximizing the full potential of the Take Senate Bill 2138 or Tourism Policy Act of 2005 for example. Though laced with some critical provisions, the essence of the bill is to streamline and right-size the Tourism Department and its attached agencies, as well as the creation of a Tourism Enterprise Zone that would encourage more tourism-related investments we direly need through the granting of necessary incentives and perks. Among the perks that would include exemption from national and local taxes, investors would be required to remit three percent of its gross income as tax. Registered enterprises are also entitled to tax exemption on capital equipment importation. Sadly, while the Senate passed its version on third and final reading, it got stalled in the Lower Chamber during the 13th Congress. At the end of the 13th Congress last year, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines reported that due to lack of quorum, the 13th Congress failed to pass in its final week of session in early June measures crucial to strengthening Philippine competitiveness, which were already in advanced stages of the legislative process, including SB 2138. All pending legislation left behind by the recently concluded Congress will have to be re-filed both at the House and the Senate during the 14th Congress. So much time wasted, so many opportunities passing by. When do we start buckling down to real work? “Pag-usapan Natin” at IBC-TV 13 Watch “Pag-usapan Natin,” a segment of the IBC-TV 13 news program News Tonite, from Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center,
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