Tourism relevant to nat'l progress

Tourism is relevant to national progress. This was stressed by Rep. Edgar Chatto in his keynote address during the 2nd Philippine International Tourism Fair at the Cebu International Convention Center. As chairman of the tourism committee in Congress, the Boholano solon considered the important event as another cause for strong partnership and dynamic interaction between policy makers like the legislature and the leaders of the industry.

INT'L TRAVEL EVENT. Rep. Edgar Chatto, chair of House tourism committee addresses the second Phil. Int'l Tourism Fair last Thursday at the Cebu International Convention Center

Fair organizers in return acknowledged the consultations conducted by the tourism committee with the Department of Tourism (DOT), attached and line agencies, tourism's private sector, local government units (LGUs) and even academe.

He shared with the principal players and stakeholders of tourism the common vision of harnessing the unlimited potentials and benefits that the industry can contribute to the country's bid for stability and growth.

The fair's theme is simply timely: "Now Is The Time…Philippines!"

Tourism is regarded as the fastest growing industry in the world today, accounting for 10% of the worldwide economic production and 10% of the global workforce.

Tourist arrivals had steadily increased from 2.6 million in 2005 and 2.8 million in 2006 to 3.091 million in 2007, respectively raking in P2.23 billion, P3.47 billion and 4.89 billion in receipts.

Chatto said tourism's contribution to employment within the same period is significant, generating 3.19 million jobs in 2005, 3.46 million in 2006 and 3.77 million in 2007.

Tourism's multiplier effect benefits poverty alleviation, economic upturn and national growth.

Another "enduring" character of tourism is resiliency so that it can easily recover as soon as it is hit by crisis.

Chatto strategized his committee's primary task to ensure that the "PHILIPPINES cannot M-I-S-S the opportunity for growth thru TOURISM."

MISS stands for Marketing, Incentives, Security and Structural Reform.

Marketing involves competitiveness in four "P's," namely, product development, pricing, promotion strategies and people-centered capability-building.

Incentives involve policies that can entice more local and foreign investors
Chatto said tourists should feel they are secured as they stay here while structural reforms are gaining effective promotion of the country as a premier tourist destination.

The Tourism Act of 2008, a consolidated bill, is a centerpiece legislation of Congress presented to all stakeholders for discussion and inputs.

The Lower House will act on the committee report right after Congress shall have resumed its session in July.

The Act declares, as a national policy, tourism to be a primary engine of investment, employment, growth and national development. It strengthens the DOT and its attached agencies.

The fair has ushered in the October holding in Cebu and Bohol---main host and technical visit venue, respectively---of the United Nations - World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) 6th International Tourism Forum for Parliamentarians and Local Authorities.

Chatto led the Philippine delegation to the UNWTO Tourism Conferences in Tunisia, South Africa and Colombia, South America last year during which the country won the right to host the global tourism event this year.