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TOURISM: a challenge
to Filipino-Americans
Tourism
is the health of the countries economy. No one could have
agreed more than DOT Secretary Richard J. Gordon when he took
further steps in aggressively launching a tourism campaign in
the U. S. and Canada -including Asian and European countries-
by identifying the Philippines as a unique and multifaceted
business and travel destination for foreign tourists to see.
In front of a Fil-Am crowd at the Meadowland Convention Center
last August 19, 2003, he gave startling facts on the state of
tourism of the country which is trailing far behind its Asian
neighbors. In his usual no-holds barred and rapid-fire
presentation, which may seem brusque to some, he emphatically
conveyed his vision of tourism and its important role in the
socio-economic growth of the country with a Powerpoint
illustration.
"The DOT will do all it can", declared Gordon
"..but..what will you do?", he retorted. His
relentless campaign through the Volunteer 12 and (VPY2003) to
target 7.4 million overseas Fil-Ams, including some 3 million
from the U. S.-as potential visitors is unparalleled. This was
ratified by signing a memorandum of agreement in Washington
with the Military Historical Tours which boasted a database of
100,000 veterans as potential visitors ‘to strengthen the
historic ties and special relationship between the Phils and
the United States’. Accompanied by local government
officials in New York, Sec. Gordon also signed a memorandum of
agreement in partnership with community leaders such as the
Confederation of Boholanos to visit their hometowns and
possibly invest in the country. Likewise, a series of
networking and tabletop business exchanges with top honchos of
the Phil-American Chamber of Commerce of N. Y. highlighted his
mission. His strong pitch for the countries tourism was
evident in his interviews with prestigious media moguls such
as TIME Magazine; Travel and Leisure: and Bloomberg TV in
conjunction with mass advertising blitzkriegs with BBC, CNN
and United Airlines’ one-minute inflight ads.
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How
about our Safety?
Every
nation has its share of crime and corruption statistics.
And there is always uncertainty in every situation. Who
would have imagined that the World Trade Center-Twin
Towers would be hit by two commercial planes and collapse?
In general, the peace and order situation in the country
is much better compared to previous year. The presence of
the U.S. troops deployed in southern Phils and the recent
visit of U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell is positive
sign for travelers to ascertain peace and order - a top
priority issue of the country. In addition, every resort
has a network of security organization to protect
tourists. The deployment of 1,000 policemen detailed every
500 meters in Metro Manila and the development of
"culture of tourism" are just some of the
take-off points of the government to eventually face the
socio-economic challenges that lie ahead.
Despite the setback brought on by the peace and order
situation - especially in the Southern most tip of the
Phils, international arrivals are up for the first time in
four years. Ideal circumstances are seldom given to anyone
embarking on an enormous undertaking. As a tourism leader,
holding both positions as commissioner of the World
Tourism Organization of East Asia and the Pacific and
chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association, Gordon has
the potential to bring the Philippines to a global center
stage. The DOT has shown tangible results. Richard J.
Gordon, the Secretary of Phil. Tourism, has some solutions
but he is only one element in this whole tourism process.
A tourism worldwide blitz of this magnitude should be
taken seriously especially when it is operating on a
miniscule budget.
The overseas Filipino is the most natural and
cost-effective resource that can be tapped into, yielding
increased tourist arrivals to the Phils. The ball is on us
to see a better Philippines -perhaps leading its Asian
neighbors once again. Each day passes by and it is up to
us to do our share. Only then can we learn and truly
understand our vital role in our nation’s progress,
making travel and tourism to grow by leaps and bounds.
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The
Boycott
The country is
spending millions of dollars on advertising the country as a
tourism destination but doing nothing about the very things
that are keeping the tourists away.
About a year ago nearly one million motorcyclists around the
world started a boycott of travel to the country, when they
found out that motorcycles were not allowed on the safest
roads, the tollways. This forces them to use roads that are
estimated to be about one hundred times more dangerous. The
alternative roads are choked with totally lawless chaotic
traffic, there is knee deep mud or loose rocks for miles,
potholes big enough to swallow a bike and often no alternative
road at all.
The international boycott is intended to try to stop the
senseless killing and mutilation of riders who are forced onto
these roads due to illegal restrictions put in place by those
who believe they are above the law.
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