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Senator Edgardo J. Angara today stressed that a healthy infrastructure program will help spur growth of the country's tourism sector.

He said the country would not be able to meet its goal of attracting five million foreign tourists a year by 2010 should it fail to invest heavily on tourist infrastructure.

"We've got magnificent tourist spots but we don't have the proper logistics and convenient transportation system that's why we have fallen behind our Asian neighbors," Angara said.

He added, "Tourism is going to create jobs especially in the rural areas if we boost infrastructure development. The most successful tourist destinations - countries like Italy, Spain and France - capitalize on their history, culture and natural beauty."

Angara expressed fear that poor infrastructure facilities, political instability, extra-judicial killings, terror threats and financial crisis could spoil the hard-earned gains of the tourism sector. With this, he strongly suggests building tourist infrastructure like airports, seaports, hotels, railways and roads all over the country to attract foreign visitors.

In the recent 34th Philippine Business Conference, business leaders have also expressed their desire for the government to enact policies which aim to ensure improved transport infrastructure in the country. They also urged the government to expand the capacity of commuter railways and increase private sector participation in the construction and development of toll roads.

Angara - fully agreeing with the observations of business leaders - sees that the tourism demand will increase as more people are inclined and are willing to travel. Higher tourism demand will spell more employment opportunities for Filipinos. - PNA

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