Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – Foreign artists and tourists who visit the Philippines frequently return to the country, and their reason behind it is almost always the same-the Filipinos’ signature warmth and hospitality toward visitors.
With this, the country has seen countless international acts that impressed both the local and global crowds.
Just this year, numerous concerts and performances by big-time artists rocked music fans. The acts included including David Archuleta, Britney Spears, 5 Seconds of Summer, Ariana Grande, The Chainsmokers, Coldplay, Shawn Mendes, Switchfoot, and Kenny G.
“Filipinos, they have a lot of heart, they’re very passionate. And what I love is they’re very sensitive, they love music. They’ve just been there, they’ve been consistent,” Archuleta said.
More highly acclaimed artists, such as Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Niall Horan, The Script, Paramore, and Incubus are slated to headline their own shows in Manila in 2018.
The events also promote the country’s tourism enterprises, as the Philippines becomes one of the go-to places for such events.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) said this is an important facet of the industry as the international acts influence other sectors, especially those in hospitality, transport, and merchandising businesses.
Being one with different-abled tourists
Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of tourism is its accessibility to persons with disabilities, something the DOT has been addressing.
Felino Palafox, principal and urban planner of Palafox Associates, said the Philippines should consider differently-abled tourists more, as they may contribute more to the economy.
“Most of our tourists now are backpackers. The ones we should be targeting are people with deep pockets who have the time. These are the people in wheelchairs, the aging tourists. Initially they come with two or three people to assist them,” said Palafox.
He added because of the Filipinos’ hospitality, more foreigners are considering retiring in the country, which means they will eventually need facilities accessible to older people.
The DOT revealed the country has 216,088 rooms provided by 9,329 accredited accommodation establishments.
The department has been urging these establishments to always consider the safety of differently-abled tourists, which include ramps and low-placed buttons on elevators.
“Persons with disabilities does not only mean people who cannot walk. There are also those who are mentally challenged. And I hope that in the future, we will work towards increasing facilities with that kind of mechanism,” said Alma Rita Jimenez, DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Resource Generation.
National Council on Disability Affairs Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga, meanwhile, said 1,800 municipalities and 140 cities nationwide are compliant with accessibility laws.
“We are getting there. Hopefully in three to five years, we will see an accessible Philippines,” Zubiaga said.
