Integration key to tourism industry
by Rey Anthony Chiu
Tagbilaran City (1 July 2005) -- Bohol's dream showcase in the Panglao Island Tourism Estate is s step in the right direction, and the concept of integrated and consolidated product service availability inside a tourism estate zone is the key, said Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, during the opening of the Regional Tourism Congress at the Cebu Grand Hotel last week.
Conceptualized and worked outs in the drawing boards of at least three administrations now, the estate has recently been granted the Philippine Estates Authority nod, says Governor Erico Aumentado.
Panglao Island Tourism Estate Zone includes a comprehensive development plan of a portion of Panglao island which sets a retirement village, airport with an international capacity, golf course, resorts, hotels and other tourism service establishments well within the vicinity of the famous white beaches and dive spots here.
Durano, during the opening rites pressed that integration and consolidation of products, services and systems is the key to the country's tourism industry.
He bared a 19% rise in tourist arrivals in the country from Jan-May 2005 compared to the same period last year. The country, he said expects 3M tourist arrivals by the end of the year.
Central Visayas, including Bohol has emerged a new tourist destination and is the core of Philippine tourist promotion and development to the world.
This ambitiously wishes to attract 5M tourists by 2010. However, the region is basically coping up with the international requirements, Durano implied.
The DOT Secretary noted, that most tourists find it difficult to avail of the various products and services that they need while they are in country. The Philippines, compared to Asian neighbors seemingly lacks capacity and experience to deal with the influx of tourists.
He said that efficiency, comfort, and convenience in information, transportation, accommodation and other services are integrated and consolidated in a tourism estate zone in other countries. He means a place where everything is located within distance from the airport, malls, banks and entertainment areas.
With this, he called on major tourism players and investors to integrate and consolidate land holdings for the establishments of Tourism Estate Zones in various parts of the country for the development of a vibrant tourism industry.
The Department of Tourism simplifies processes in all activities and investments that are geared towards integration and consolidation of tourism programs into one wholesome package that would put the Central Visayas a "brand in the global tourism market, Secretary Durano concluded. (PIA)
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