A serious study must be made as to why the Philippines is losing out heavily when it comes to tourism.
Corollarily, all aspects must also be explored or exhausted to compensate for the heavy losses that our tourism industry had been suffering from these past several years.
Consider this. Recent data shows that Vietnam, which used to lag behind the Philippines, is now enjoying an average of 12 million tourists a year.
Even neighboring Thailand has recorded a staggering 15 million tourists a year while the Philippines recorded a mere six million in the number of tourists coming into the country on a yearly basis.
This six million seems to be the best that our tourism officials can do, as the number had remained as such and seems not likely to move upward anytime soon.
Compared to these two countries alone, the Philippines has more beautiful and must-see tourist spots and areas and yet, we are losing out in comparison to other Asia countries who have less tourist attractions than our very own country.
Clearly, this is the fault of our tourism authorities. The facilities at our international airports alone need a major makeover.
Upon arrival, the immigration personnel assigned at the airports already pose a problem. The long queues is just one aspect.
If you will hail a cab upon arrival, there are colorum taxis that will pose uncertainty for tourists.
Even while traversing the road upon leaving the airport, there are beggars and windshield wipers who will nag the passengers to give money and it is such an eyesore.
As I have previously stated in my column, the number of tourists we have automatically spells added, much-needed income for the country and definitely a big boost to our economy.
Each tourist is bound to spend a minimum amount of 1,000 to 2,000 US dollars per visit on hotel, restaurant, tourist destination hopping and shopping expenses, among others.
If the country’s image is tarnished before the eyes of the international community, who will dare visit our country?
News of certain nationalities being targeted for black propaganda to push certain selfish agenda will definitely harm our tourism industry.
A clear example of this is the effort to negatively link the innocent Chinese students to the West Philippine Sea issue.
The Indian community, I was told, are also fearful these days. They said that their compatriots are currently having a hard time since a group of Indians filed a case against certain immigration authorities.
I hope this is not true because this is unfair, in the same way that the hapless Chinese students are being branded so many negative tags without solid proof.
The problem with our country is that some politicians have gotten used to issuing accusations merely for the benefit of media mileage and without the benefit of proof.
This is among the things that drive tourists away. Those in charge better shape up or ship out.
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