Philippines expects 10percent dip in tourism from Hong Kong

Posted Date: Thursday, 2-Sep-2010

Malacañang is expecting a 10 percent decrease in tourist arrivals from Hong Kong due to the botched hostage rescue and police assault at the Quirino Grandstand last August 23.

Communications and Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma, however, said that government expected the situation to get better after the release of the findings of the investigation team on the Grandstand hostage crisis.

“(Tourism Secretary Alberto) Lim has assessed the impact…. It may lead to a reduction of 10 percent in terms of tourist arrivals from Hong Kong,” Coloma said.

“This is a very dynamic situation. We are hoping, as the investigation winds down… mas magiging maaliwalas din yung outlook from China and HK and vice versa (the outlook from China, Hong Kong and vice versa will be bright),” he added.

Sourced=ETN