5 million tourists are expected this year

           Target influx of tourists for this year is 4.6 million, however, if present trends continue, it may exceed its target according to President Aquino who spoke at the Euromoney Philippine Investment Forum.

          Likewise, with new developments like the inclusion of Palawan’s Underground River as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the government is very confident that it would be able to reach its target of achieving 10 million tourists by 2016 according to Touriam Assistant Secretary Bong Benzon, right after the launching of the new country brand and the tourism reforms that are being carried out.

          “Yes, we are confident of having 10 million foreign arrivals by 2016,” reiterated Benzon during the 19^th Travel Tour Expo 2012 which was organized by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA).

          Bengzon added that the government is working on the improvement of air access to the country, as well as the marketing and development of tourism destinations. On the part of the private sector, hotels and resorts must increase their guest capacities and train their frontline service crew to conform to global standards.

          There were 3.58 million foreign tourists who visited the Philippines last year which is higher than 2010, which was 3.45 million only. This year, the Department of Tourism expects to attract four million tourists or more.

          The PTTA president Aileen Clemente said that they are cooperating with local government units for the promotion of local destinations. She noted that the recent inclusion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River in the New Seven Wonders of Nature list will attract more tourists to the island.

          “We are very bullish about the pride of Puerto Princesa City right now,” concluded Clemente. # ANT