(TAN): Philippines’ tourism department has backed recent developments to ensure Southeast Asia’s competitiveness as a single tourism destination and to bolster the recovery of tourism in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
At the 24th meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Ministers hosted by Cambodia through video conference on February 4, Philippines Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat expressed her support of initiatives under the updated ASEAN’s Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016-2025.
New priority programs identified at the meeting include the adoption of measures and initiatives to support the digitization of ASEAN Tourism, the strengthening of data and information networks, and the conduct of activities to promote connectivity and facilitate travel to and within the region.
[ALSO READ: MSC Cruises works to restart Greece cruises before Easter]
Also topping the agenda at the tourism ministers’ meeting was addressing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Collectively, ASEAN member states suffered a decline of approximately 75.8% in tourism receipts, while international arrivals declined by approximately 80.5%. Both factors contributed to significant declines in related industries, such as the accommodations, tours, and tourist transport sectors.
“We can only successfully recover from the pandemic if we do so in unity, guided by data and information that lead to effective planning,” Puyat said.
Puyat also stressed the importance of pursuing activities centered on community-based tourism developments, thereby enhancing the sustainability and resiliency of the tourism value chain throughout the ASEAN. Proposed initiatives under this direction include supporting tourism micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); contributing to programs geared toward reskilling and upskilling tourism workers; and promoting greater inclusivity to generate more jobs for local communities, women, youth, indigenous peoples, minorities, and other vulnerable groups.
[ALSO READ: Five best states to go skiing in India]
“As we implement our plans and programs, it is always prudent to be reminded that the soul of the tourism industry lies with the people we serve and whose lives we aim to uplift through tourism. We must ensure that our workers are covered during these times, especially that we have good policies and mechanisms such as the Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP) that help promote recovery and growth,” she added.
While the Philippines has pivoted toward domestic tourism to mitigate the pandemic’s impact, Puyat reiterated that the country remains committed to strengthening the partnership among ASEAN member states, in line with its shared vision for a better tourism industry in the region.
