DOT Expects Growth in
Tourist Arrivals for 2010 with Tourism Act Implementation
Philippine News
6 April 2010
The Department of Tourism
(DoT) is forecasting a 15% increase in domestic and tourist
arrivals in the Philippines’ top destinations this year,
thanks to the implementation of Republic Act 9593, or the
National Tourism Act of 2009.
With the implementation
of the said law, the DoT foresees the coordinated and integrated
efforts of the government and the private sector to expand
current capacity, increase tourist demand, enhance revenues,
and create more employment opportunities for Filipinos.
In a statement, DoT Undersecretary
for Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. said that the
international and local travel markets have regained their
confidence in the global economy, which could result in more
activity in business and travel, specifically in the field
of MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions).
Based on the data of DoT,
Cebu is still the top destination in the Philippines, attracting
1.61 million tourists, a 1.24 percent growth from 2008. Camarines
Sur posted the most remarkable growth in tourism arrivals,
with 117.25 percent. The growth is attributed to the international
and local events such as the First Aqua Fest Celebrity Challenge,
Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, International Dragon Boat Competition
and Bagasbas Summer Surf that were held here last year, which
boosted domestic visitors to CamSur by 140% to 1.3 million,
while foreign tourists went up by 56.1%.
CamSur was followed by Metro
Manila and the other prime destinations in the country such
as Baguio City, Davao City, Boracay Isalnd, Cagayan de Oro,
Zambales, Bohol, Puerto Princesa City, Camiguin, Cagayan Valley,
Negros Oriental, and Ilocos Norte.
Aside from the Chinese and
Taiwanese tourists, who are regular visitors in the country,
European tourist arrival is continuously growing. According
to DoT Director Marie Venus Tan, the Philippines has been
posting continued growth on European tourist arrivals for
six years now, with the 2009 year-on-year growth at five percent.
On top of the list is United Kingdom with 70,000-80,000 visitors
followed by Germany, 68,000; France, 50,000; Switzerland,
47,000; and Russia with 35, 000.
The National Tourism Act
of 2009 declares "a national policy for tourism as an
engine of investment, employment, growth and national development,
and strengthens the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached
agencies to effectively and efficiently implement that policy,
and appropriates funds therefore”
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Kasal.com thanks the following
sources for this article:
Villanueva,
Joann, Balita.ph. RP eyes robust tourist arrivals from Europe
after the global meltdown (Posted March 15, 2010) Retrieved
March 23, 2010
Mozo,
Malou, Manila Bulletin. DoT targets 15% hike in tourist arrivals
(Reposted by Department of Tourism on March 7, 2010) Retrieved
March 23, 2010
Dagooc,
Ehda, The Freeman. DOT expects 15% growth in tourist arrivals
in 2010 (Posted March 06, 2010) Retrieved March 23, 2010
Sun.Star
Network Online. Arrivals to rise 15% in 2010 (Posted February
21, 2010) Retrieved March 23, 2010
Office
of the President: National Tourism Act of 2009 (Posted May
12, 2009) Retrieved March 23, 2010
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