Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – With the picturesque rice terraces in Banaue in Luzon, the powdery white sand beaches of Boracay in the Visayas, and the energetic vibe of the country’s surfing capital Siargao in Mindanao, the Philippines saw more foreign and local tourists visiting the country this year.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) said as of May 2017, the country had 532,000 visitor arrivals, representing a 19.6 percent increase compared to May 2016 figures.
DOT Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre welcomed the positive development in the country’s tourism.
“People now go out of town at least four to five times a year,” Alegre said. “Airline tickets are more affordable, resorts have better packages, and there are so many new destinations that are accessible and it’s truly more fun in the Philippines.”
In fact, tourism contributed 8.6 percent to the Philippine economy in 2016, and was the third biggest contributor to the country’s gross domestic product, Alegre said.
It also accounted for the employment of 5.2 million Filipinos in various industries, which comprised 12.8 percent of the country’s total workforce. Jobs for Filipino workers were mostly in the hospitality and transportation sectors.
“We know that when the tourism industry grows, our people will benefit from it,” Alegre said.
The Tourism department projects that in the next five years, revenues from the industry will be valued at P3.9 million, and employment will climb to 6.5 million.
The DOT said one of the key factors in the country’s growing tourism enterprise is the slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” which showcases the country’s numerous natural, cultural, gastronomic, and architectural wonders.
The campaign, which was introduced in 2012, has helped travel agencies lure more tourists to visit the country’s amazing destinations.
Since its implementation, the Philippines saw a 37 percent increase in visitors, with over 5 million tourists visiting the country in 2016.
Guiding tour guides
However, incoming visitors will not be able to fully appreciate the country’s greatest destinations without hospitable Filipinos guiding them.
This is why the DOT has also invested in rigorous training programs for tour guides.
The department holds 30-day workshops and seminars where interested enrollees learn how to make itineraries and scripts, and to relay information effectively.
“This has been going on for a long time, because it’s critical that when you offer tour packages and you want to introduce destinations to tourists, you need to have people who will be able to guide our tourists through our itineraries,” said Alma Rita Jimenez, DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Resource Generation.
Jimenez said there are four levels to the program-basic skills, skills placement, reskilling, and industry-wide training.
She added the department also conducts trainings for drivers, operators, culinary personnel, and other sectors related to tourism.
Bring Home A Friend Program
However, incoming visitors will not be able to fully appreciate the country’s greatest destinations without hospitable Filipinos guiding them.
This is why the DOT has also invested in rigorous training programs for tour guides.
The department holds 30-day workshops and seminars where interested enrollees learn how to make itineraries and scripts, and to relay information effectively.
“This has been going on for a long time, because it’s critical that when you offer tour packages and you want to introduce destinations to tourists, you need to have people who will be able to guide our tourists through our itineraries,” said Alma Rita Jimenez, DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Resource Generation.
Jimenez said there are four levels to the program-basic skills, skills placement, reskilling, and industry-wide training.
She added the department also conducts trainings for drivers, operators, culinary personnel, and other sectors related to tourism.
Bring Home A Friend Program
