Tourism revisited

MANILA, Philippines -- In almost all countries in Western Europe, tourism is almost always one of the five top foreign exchange earners.

Norway, having the highest per capita income in Europe from its vast earnings from the North Sea Oil, may not need the revenues from foreign tourists as much as Denmark, or Spain, or Greece, for example.

Canada and the United States would rather see greater domestic tourism than foreign visitors.

But the rest of the world pine for tourists, and will pamper them with incentives, history, luxurious accommodations, exotic dishes, and natural wonders.

The Philippines is no exception but could do better and more if it wanted to, but is apparently unable to.

What is wrong with Philippine tourism?

First, the national government is a poor catalyst of tourism promotions.

The Department of Tourism lacks funding and is highly politicized to be effective.

The DoT officials, like joining the Navy, would rather visit foreign countries than tour the Philippines.

Moreover, the LGU's, from the congressman to the governor, mayor, and barangay officials, do not appreciate the importance of tourism as a major contributor to the GDP.

For these reasons, tourism development becomes a ribbon-type growth without rhyme or reason; no consistent policies, poor infrastructure, scary peace and order, and prevalence of petty crimes.

In other words, provincial and local officials do not have their heart in the business from inadequate infrastructure to haphazard and substandard facilities, and lack of education and information.

That is, there must be universal quality standards in, say, setting up a resort or hotel, or restaurant, regardless of whether the project is grand or modest.

For example, toilets, kitchen, transport, water, medical services, sanitation, and communications must be made available and accessible and of international standards, regardless of size and location.

Second, it is not enough to advertise the beauty of the Philippines. Her beautiful women, its renowned hospitality, excellent cuisine, Boracay-type sandy beaches, pristine forests, exciting diving locations, and swinging night life are negated if policemen are not honest or helpful, swindlers abound, taxi drivers connive with holduppers, the law courts are uncooperative, and the airports are shameful.

In other words, while the Philippines can brag about having one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand with a touch of pink in Boracay, and Palawan's underground river vies as one of the modern world's eight natural wonders, the country alas lacks the basic facilities, transport, logistics, and electronics technology to service the unique archipelagic topography of the country.

Third, the national government should give more serious consideration to vital issues, such as, open skies policy, modernization of airports, rail networks, clean harbors, safe sea craft, and reasonable air fares.

When all is said and done, the first priority in boosting Philippine tourism is to improve basic amenities, internalize policies and objectives, educate local officials, emphasize the forex importance of tourism, and the safety of tourists.

It can be done.

You be the judge.

(For comments and views, please e-mail: chaff_fromthegrain@yahoo.com.ph)