NAKAREKOBER na ang turismo sa bansa matapos ang pandemya sa COVID-19.

Sa tourism summit, sinabi ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ito ay dahil sa pinalakas ng Department of Tourism ang pagpapatupad sa Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program.

Base sa talaan ng DOT noong 2023, nasa 5.5 milyon na ang inbound tourists, mas mataas ng 15 percent kumpara sa 4.8 milyong target ngayong taon. Sa unang apat na buwan ng 2024, nasa 2 milyon na ang tourist arrivals sa bansa.

“These numbers, and the accompanying visible increase in economic activities and commerce across our famous destinations, are a testament to the industry’s recovery,” pahayag ni Pangulong Marcos.

“These also prove that the active participation of every stakeholder matters; that one’s perseverance to acquire more skills, know-how, and networks makes a difference in our tourism agenda. At the same time, these numbers pose challenge for us to translate these gains into tangible benefits – benefits for our people, our communities and our economy,” dagdag ni Pangulong Marcos.

Kumpiyansa si Pangulong Marcos na tuluyang aarangkada na ang turismo sa bansa.

Kasabay nito, sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos na dapat na ituloy ang ugnayan ng gobyerno at ng pribadong sektor.

Hindi maikakaila ayon sa Pangulo na malaki ang ambag ng turismo sa revenue generation, job creation at pagpapalago sa ekonomiya ng bansa.

“To the exemplary industry leaders, content creators, and key players who are making an impact in the tourism community: You are serving your country well with your exceptional work. You are also showing us what it takes, what it requires, to give the Philippines that edge over other destinations,” pahayag ni Pangulong Marcos.

“For, at the end of the day, we are not just entrepreneurs – we are all promoted advocates and protectors of our beautiful country. Only by being so can we make the Philippines a truly sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global tourism hub,” dagdag ng Pangulo.