Tourism
From The Report: The Philippines 2015
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Under the current government, tourism has been identified as a vehicle to be prioritised for the positive impact it can have on inclusive economic growth, and efforts appear to be bearing fruit. Thanks to an aggressive and highly successful global marketing campaign, brand awareness is on the rise. Momentum looks to continue as 2015 has been designated the “Visit the Philippines Year” and is set to include a slate of events throughout the calendar year that commenced with a visit from Pope Francis in January 2015. With plentiful natural endowments and a cultural propensity for service and hospitality, the Philippines is fortunate to possess assets that serve as demand drivers. A boost to infrastructure could ensure more seamless and efficient movement for visitors throughout the country’s various islands.

This chapter contains an interview with Ramon R Jimenez Jr, Secretary, Department of Tourism; and a dialogue between Cristino L Naguiat Jr, Chairman and CEO, Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation, and Stephen Reilly, COO, Resorts World Manila.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

The Philippine government steps up its commitment to tourism
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One year after the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan, the performance of the Philippine’s tourism sector is matching the resilience shown by those affected. In 2013 visitor numbers rose 9.5% to reach just under 4.7m. While slightly below the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) target of 5m in light of the damaging effect of the typhoon and a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that ravaged the popular tourist destination Bohol Island in the same year, both the authorities and industry stakeholders can take solace in the year’s results and feel confident about future demand projections. Despite boasting a range of attractions and a reputation for hospitality…

Analysis

Let’s meet up: An attractive MICE segment
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In the early 1980s the Philippines was considered Asia’s undisputed leader when it came to hosting international events and conferences, with Metro Manila’s 4000-sq-metre Philippines International Convention Centre (PICC), constructed in 1976, the first of its kind for the region. In subsequent years, as other countries ramped up their efforts to expand their share of the increasingly lucrative meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market, due to a confluence of factors, the segment found itself slipping from the tourism authorities’ priority list. In 1982 Manila was rated as the top Asian city for conventions by…

Interview

OBG talks to Ramon R Jimenez Jr, Secretary, Department of Tourism (DoT)
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Interview:Ramon R Jimenez Jr What potential does the recently signed Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) unlock for the tourism sector in Mindanao and the Visayas? RAMON R JIMENEZ JR: The CAB will provide a tremendous boost to tourism, as a more peaceful and stable environment will enable Mindanao to attract a greater number of foreign and domestic tourists, while providing a significant boost to local job creation. After signing the CAB, stakeholders both from the private sector…

Analysis

Increasing connectivity and accommodation will be key to the growth of the Philippines’ tourism sector
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Upgrading and developing new transport and hospitality infrastructure is essential to unlocking the Philippine tourism sector’s undeniable growth potential. Without adequate infrastructure to move people into and within the country, and the hotel and leisure offerings to accommodate and entertain them, many of the attributes that make the industry primed for sustained expansion could be negated. With public coffers strained and multiple sectors competing for state funding, the government is looking to hand over development, management and maintenance responsibilities to the private sector. And with a strong assurance of pent up demand,…

Analysis

Responsible development and protection of natural attractions are priorities for the Philippines’ tourism sector
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The Philippines exhibits a marked discrepancy in income, living standards and access to basic infrastructure between urban and rural locations, and tourism has been identified as one means of helping to lift more remote regions out of poverty. When considering that natural untouched settings and traditional culture are some of the main drawing cards for visitors to more isolated areas, the impetus is to manage development in a responsible and sustainable manner through principles adhering to the Ecotourism Philippines philosophy. Indeed, the campaign features prominently in the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) National Tourism Development…

Overview

OBG talks to Cristino L Naguiat Jr, Chairman and CEO, Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and Stephen Reilly, COO, Resorts World Manila
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Interview: Cristino L Naguiat Jr andStephen Reilly To what extent will Entertainment City and the expansion of leisure infrastructure enhance Manila’s status as a regional destination? CRISTINO L NAGUIAT: Entertainment City looks set to transform the face of tourism in the Philippines. While initial plans anticipated the project’s completion by 2018, all four operators will not stop improvements to their projects after this date, having already invested more than $1bn above the figure…