Philippines, below target

24 Jan 2014  2037 | World Travel News

KUCHING- A year ago, Philippines tourism authorities were confident to achieve a new record in foreign arrivals to the archipelago. The Philippines were supposed to pass the magic mark of five million arrivals. A year later, and despite the fact that December figures are still not available- the target has been missed. During the first 11 months of 2013, the country welcomed 4.2 million foreign travellers, almost the same number than the entire year 2012. The Department of Tourism estimates that the final countdown would give a total of 4.6 to 4.7 million, down by 16 points from initial forecasts. “Of course various factors affected our final results such as outside events”, explained Rolando Canizal, Assistant Secretary, Tourism Development Planning. Tensions between Malaysia and the Philippines following an uncontrolled attack of Malaysia by an almost forgotten Sultan from Sulu Island translated for example by a drop of 4% of Malaysian travellers between January and November.

As of November 2013, the Philippines received 4,228,657 international visitors, reflecting a 10.39% growth rate from the 3,830,723 arrivals for the same period in 2012. Korea remained as the top market source, with over a million arrivals. They represent 25.29% of the total arrivals. Korea is followed by the USA with a 14.29% share of the total arrivals, and China with 9.40%. The other countries included in the Top 12 Market Sources by volume are Japan, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canada, United Kingdom, Malaysia and Germany.

October earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 shook the island of Bohol causing significant damage to tourist sites and infrastructure. Two weeks later, in November 2013, an exceptionally powerful tropical cyclone ravaged parts of Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines. “However recovery is under way with the situation in tourism coming back to the normal except in the affected areas”, indicated Daniel Corpuz, Undersecretary, Tourism Planning and Promotions.

Efforts of the Department of Tourism concentrated first on Bohol Island. The Department, along with USAID is currently formulating the Bohol Tourism Recovery Plan/ Program which will focus on physical rehabilitation, rebranding and product development/enhancement. Post-Yolanda assessment is also being conducted which will eventually lead to the drafting of another recovery plan. “There is also a need to continue to inform people and do more prevention. We are also working with international institutions in rebuilding all areas and bring back travellers. We are also looking at rebuilding historical churches destroyed during the catastrophe as well as identifying new tourism products. A new assessment is now taking place to identify the weaknesses of the destination”, adds Rolando Canizal.

Initial forecasts put at 5.8 million the total number of arrivals for 2014 and at US$ 6.4 billion the revenues from tourism. “We do have the objective to reach more than five million visitors in 2014, most probably around 5.5 million”, explained Mr. Canizal.

They are some positive signs showing that tourism in the Philippines is bouncing back. Investments are up in the hotel industry, while more airlines are flying into Manila. After Philippes Airlines ban was lifted, PAL has the ambitions to expand, particularly to Europe. Negotiations recently occurred with France which could conclude to a new bilateral agreement and PAL’s revival of the Paris route by the second half of 2014. Frankfurt would then follow. Meanwhile, the total tourism budget has been increased for investments and marketing in 2014. The envelop represents 1.6 billion Pesos (US$ 120 million) including 1 billion for various tourism marketing initiatives (US$ 75 million).

Sourced : TravelDailyNews

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