The tourism industry is among the lucrative business in the country contributing trillion of pesos to the national coffers, at the same time, providing thousands of job opportunities to thousands of Filipinos. According to World Travel and Tourism Council, the Philippine tourism’s contribution to the national economy is expected to reach ₱5.4 Trillion this 2024, surpassing last year’s ₱4.3 Trillion. With this, tourism now represents more than one fifth (21.3%) of the country’s economy, generating more than 9.5 Million jobs, equivalent to 20% of the national workforce. Both foreign and domestic visitors’ spending were also set to exceed previous records in 2024, reaching ₱715.6 Billion and ₱3.7 Trillion, surpassing 2019 levels by 5.7% and 1.8%, respectively. The growing tourism industry can be attributed to the continuous effort of the government to maximize all potential assets, including natural and environmental, of the country to drive economic growth and revive the tourism status as best destination for travel and vacation. The Philippines’ seemingly endless beaches, countless diving spots, green mountain resorts, ecological features, and rich cultures, make the country a favorite destination by travellers here and abroad. Thanks to the continuous infrastructure development program of the government which builds more roads, bridges and other tourism-related facilities, especially in the never-before explored spots in the rural areas making travelling easier and shorter, economical and enjoyable. Hear’s to Watch: However, tourism bureaus in the local government side should not only focus on promoting the tourism programs in their respective areas. They should also take time in inspecting all public and private-owned facilities to ensure safety and security of the public. Travelling to Subic Freeport and Zambales, especially by public transport system gives you some uncomfortable experience due to lack of clean public toilets. And it is good that there are fast food chains to save your day. Bus stops and most restaurants, on the other hand, charge P10.00 without receipt per head for use of the toilets. Should the government require all restaurants and bus stops to maintain decent and clean toilets and parking space which the public and travellers can use without charge? In the case of Subic Freeport and Olongapo, most beach resorts seem “designed” for foreigners and rich families who could easily pay between P500.and P800.00 entrance fee per person to swim in the supposedly public beach; or rent P2,500 for 15-30 minute boat ride. No free parking space, while malls in Olongapo charge P30.00. In Zambales, the local government units should maintain public access road to beach areas. and to educate the resort owners that coastal areas and beach are owned solely by the government and the public has the right to stay in any part of the area without being charged of entrance fees or shooed away. This is because many, if not most, beach areas were already owned by private individuals who constructed fence and gate and were able to charge the public P200.00 to P500.00 (without receipt) as entrance fee to the beach. Local produce should be made more affordable, rather than avoidable. In Zambales, locally produced singkamas are sold along the highway for P100 to P150.00 per “bunch” of seven small pieces, which are too way too expensive compared to same bunch sold in the market. Prices of mangoes sold in the tourism booths are 25% higher than those in the market. These all are defeating tourism promotion efforts. Instead of buying our produce, they may tend to go somewhere else cheaper, more affordable, accessible travel destinations. Take note, they say that travelling to neighboring Asian nations is cheaper than going to Palawan or Davao. The national government is pushing hard to boost economic advantage of our tourism industry, and it is right and must, that the local counter parts should do their shares.
