Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
If there is one sector that could truly help us recover from the dire effects of the pandemic and truly help bring employment and opportunities for the majority of Filipinos, it is tourism.
Tourism is not only about presenting our best beaches and newest hotels, it is not just about showcasing our world-renowned warmth and hospitality as a people; it is about empowering each and every Filipino to be the best version of themselves and ensuring no one is left behind on the path toward equitable progress and sustainable development.
To fully harness tourism’s full potential, there has to be a clear roadmap, guided by the collaborative efforts of both government and sectoral representatives. Without a definitive direction, we risk wandering aimlessly, running like a headless chicken while our neighboring countries thrive with staggering numbers of tourist arrivals.
This is the motivation, perhaps, that spurred the President when he expressed approval of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 earlier this week — a strategic roadmap and development framework that will shape the tourism industry in the next five years.
Recall that early this year, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco presented the NTDP during a stakeholders’ summit. She emphasized that this plan was the “result of consultation among the tourism coordinating council as well as our various tourism stakeholders from our regions all over the Philippines.”
The NTDP 2023-2028, as outlined by Frasco, lays down the DOT’s seven objectives, which focus on the essential pillars of development that would give the Philippines a “fighting chance at becoming a tourism powerhouse.”
Frasco said the NTDP aims to promote the Philippines domestically and internationally, as well as address several issues on tourism development, including challenges on infrastructure, connectivity, and digitalization. She added that the national development plan seeks tourism equalization, enhancement of overall tourism experience, and strengthening of tourism governance.
“We are very grateful to our President for articulating very early in his administration his priority for tourism development. This has resulted in a convergence among government agencies as far as giving full support to the development of the industry, recognizing the losses that have ensued as a result of the pandemic and various calamities,” Frasco said.
Frasco said the NTDP would present Filipinos an opportunity to enjoy gainful employment and sustainable livelihood, while elevating the Philippines to a better position in Southeast Asia and the world.
“This is just one of the many programs under the Marcos administration that aims to maximize domestic tourism, recognizing its strength to support our economy as well as to usher in more international tourists,” she added.
This news comes at an opportune time as it coincided with the DOT’s 50th founding anniversary last May 11, 2023. Frasco celebrated the occasion alongside some of our tourism frontliners who have “carried upon their shoulders the responsibility of campaigning for our country, of convincing our friends from all over the world to keep coming back to our country, and who have by their example shown us what it means to love the Philippines.”
The DOT is abuzz with exciting plans that will reveal “the heart and soul of the Filipino.” Considering recent developments, it appears there may be changes on the horizon for our country’s marketing strategy and tourism slogans. Whatever lies ahead, our collective hope is that these changes will propel us toward our goal of becoming a tourism powerhouse. Now is the best time for our country to shine brightly, so that it would illuminate not only our natural beauty but also put a spotlight on the ingenious spirit of the Filipino.
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Credit belongs to : www.mb.com.ph
