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Still a haven for
tourism investment 26 May 2009 |
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Another sector that
keeps our people optimistic in spite of the threats posed by the global
economic slowdown is our very exciting tourism industry. Honestly, I am
amazed at how this industry remain irresistible to both foreign and
local investors amidst apprehensions created by the worldwide economic
meltdown. If you would recall, just a few weeks ago, the World Travel Fair in Shanghai, China named the Philippines as the most popular destination in Asia. Of course, that should also make the Philippines a most ideal place for tourism investment. According to the Department of Tourism headed by that indefatigable honcho Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano, for the first quarter of 2009 new hotels and resorts opened a total of 1,231 additional rooms at the cost of P8.16 billion and hired 1,286 employees. Asked to explain this quite “surprising” development, Durano said that this may be attributed to our conduct of tourism campaigns here and abroad, our joining in travel and trade fairs, and our inviting foreign travel sales agents and hotel, resort and restaurant owners, as well as media to come over and discover the Philippines’ natural beauty, its rich history and culture, various products, medical tourism and conducive investment climate. Indeed, our efforts are paying off. The travel/tourism industry is now one of the top money-makers in the country; the other one represented by the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). I was in Cebu a few days ago with the President who led the inauguration of the P3.8-billion Imperial Palace Water Park, Resort and Spa. I learned that the new classy venue increased room supply to 14,797 and provided jobs to 780 workers. In the northern part of Cebu, the P8.5-million San Remigio Beach Club also opened its new facilities by building a convention center to capture the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions of both international and domestic markets. And more are joining the tourism investment caravan. In Boracay Island, the high-end 217-room Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa opened just in time for the influx of tourists on vacation and long holidays, initially hiring 488 workers to manage its various ranges of product offerings. In Palawan, seven locators are investing in 28 cluster villas for a total cost of P761.9 million in the Amanpulo Tourism Enterprise Zone. Metro Manila is likewise on boom with the opening of the Legend International’s Park, Bed and Breakfast Hotel, Eurotel Hotel Branch in Makati City, and the expansion of Oakwood Serviced Residences which increased the total room supply by 320. By the end of 2009, at least 1,946 more people will be directly employed nationwide once the additional 2,315 rooms become operational in Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Tagaytay, and Albay. And not only that. To meet the increasing demand for tourism services, the DoT endorsed five development projects worth P6.323 billion in the first quarter of this year, and expected to generate 6,340 employment opportunities for local residents in the said target tourist areas. A US$ 200-million luxury spa and resort is also set to be developed by Banyan Tree in a 55-hectare property in Diwaran Island off Palawan. It is expected to generate 8,000 direct and indirect jobs during the planning, construction and operational stages from 2009 to 2012. In Subic, Harbor Yacht Services Philippines will construct a restaurant and resort in a marina facility with an investment package of P36.1 million. The country’s biggest man-made lake, the P20-million, 18-hectare Lago del Rey, was opened recently to tourists by the provincial government of Camarines Sur. A lot of tourism activities and international competitions such as windsurfing, kayaking, bird-watching, and sightseeing are being undertaken to attract the adventurous. Overall, the volume of domestic tourists visiting key destinations grew faster by 13 percent while foreign arrivals recorded a four percent hike in the first quarter of this year. Kudos to the men and women who keep our tourism industry brighter and very promising in the eyes of an apprehensive world. |
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