Tourism
From The Report: The Philippines 2012
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The Philippines tourism industry is hoping to emerge from a challenging few years that saw the country blacklisted by Hong Kong and the civil aviation authority downgraded by the US and EU. Although the growth in visitors during those years was solid, arrivals figures are barely a quarter of those seen in powerhouses like Thailand. The country has shifted its international tourism promotion to Asia, especially markets like South Korea. Meanwhile, domestic tourism dominates the sector’s revenues, providing some 80% of tourism income.
This chapter features interviews with Ramon Jimenez, Secretary, Department of Tourism (DoT), and Cristino L Naguiat Jr, Chairman and CEO, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Recognised potential: A government-led effort to promote the country’s appeal
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After several years in the wilderness, the Philippines’ tourism industry is beginning to enjoy an international renaissance which, combined with an ambitious domestic infrastructure spending spree, has the capacity to catapult the country into one of the region’s best performers over the next decade. A regional leader back in the 1970s, its potential as an archipelago of 7107 islands complete with virgin rain forests, volcanoes, pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, five UNESCO World Heritage…

Analysis

Meeting the need: Renewed focus on conference facilities to incentivise business travel
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Business inspired a modest 15% of international arrivals in the Philippines in 2010, according to Department of Tourism (DoT) statistics, which might go some way to explaining the country’s low stake in the international meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market. However, as with much of the nascent international tourist industry across the archipelago, a vibrant and dynamic domestic market underlies it all and is beginning to attract international attention once again.…

Analysis

Getting ready: Industry capacity is set to increase to cater for more visitors
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The government’s stated aim of 10m international visitors by 2016 is ambitious, but one with attractive benefits for an economy that has long fallen short of its potential. Such a surge would raise tourism revenues in excess of P1.8trn ($40.8bn), equivalent to 7% of GDP, and generate 10m jobs, the benefits of which would cascade through the economy. The Philippines is starting from a low base, which might afford it some advantages, but the 10m target requires a minimum 21% annual visitor growth.…

Interview

OBG talks to Ramon Jimenez, Secretary, Department of Tourism (DoT)
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Interview:Ramon Jimenez How can the Philippines distinguish itself from alternative tourism destinations in the region? RAMON JIMENEZ: The Philippine tourism industry will now be run as a business, whereas in the past the DoT operated largely as a regulatory body. We will now be working more than ever with an eye towards market share, profit, building revenue and generating employment opportunities for Filipinos. The Philippines has never really competed for its share of tourists’ attention,…

Interview

Fun and games: OBG talks to Cristino Naguiat Jr, Chairman and CEO, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)
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Interview:Cristino Naguiat Jr What role is gaming likely to play as part of the Philippines’ bid to expand its hospitality sector? CRISTINO NAGUIAT JR: Like most countries in the Asian region, the Philippines recognises the significant role of gaming in increasing tourism growth. One of the most important considerations will be to ensure that current and future gaming developments showcase the best of the Philippines in terms of culture, locations, activities and cuisine. In neighbouring…