Northstar

TRAVEL WEEKLY ASIA I T B A S I A S H O W D A I L I E S www.travelweekly-asia.com 18 17 OC TOBER 2018 ON TRACK. ON TARGET. By Bing J. Jaleco Despite Boracay closure, Philippine tourism shows resiliency as arrivals continue to grow. Six months ago, the government ordered the closure of Boracay island, the Philippines' third most- visited stop after Manila and Cebu, for much needed rehabilitation. The world- famous resort destination was dubbed a "cesspool" by no less than the country's president, Rodrigo Duterte. The closure put tourism's growth targets under a cloud of uncertainty. But Philippine tourism has always made a living out of resiliency. As Boracay prepares to reopen, albeit under very stringent regulations for businesses and limited tourist traffic, the industry has, surprisingly, kept its head above water. The Department of Tourism (DOT) reported arrivals at an all-time high of 4.3 million in the first seven months of the year, up 9.74% over the same period last year. In July alone, arrivals rose 5.8% to 601,322. On track to beat 2018 arrivals target "We are actually on track. We are halfway into the year and we are exactly halfway (on) our National Tourism Development Plan target arrivals," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said. China and South Korea produced much of the growth for Philippine tourism this year. South Korean arrivals hit 937,227 in the first seven months while Chinese nationals came in second with 764,094, an impressive growth rate of 40% over last year's numbers. "With the challenges and hurdles the industry is facing, maintaining the positive trajectory of visitor arrivals is not an easy feat, but the industry has kept itself afloat. With the roll-out of a comprehensive branding campaign in the coming months and the scheduled reopening of a better Boracay on Oct. 26, we are optimistic that we will hit, or better yet, surpass our target of 7.4 million for 2018," Puyat said. Diving to growth The drive for tourism growth hit a bump earlier this year when President Duterte fired Wanda Tulfo Teo amid charges of corruption. But Puyat's appointment—the private sector lauded the selection—seemed to have given Philippine tourism the boost it needed. A more focused marketing campaign, coupled with a strong push to open new air routes, appear to be working well for the industry. But an equally strong drive to develop new products and revisit existing ones are seen to sustain the growth. Diving, for instance, is being singled out for a redux. "Part of our commitment is to make sure that we promote the Philippines as a whole to the international diving community and more specifically to look at two segments that we feel we have a distinct advantage in: underwater photography and beginner divers," DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said. Bengzon said he is optimistic the market for dive tourism will further grow with the year-round free diving opportunities in the country. "We feel that we can be very competitive in this segment because all year round, there are free diving opportunities. And as in the case of mainstream diving, (we have) very rich marine life," he said. HOT Numbers US$24.88 billion Estimated cost of constructing and expanding five international airports in Luzon island, including main gateway Ninoy Aquino International Airport. US$45.7 billion Domestic travel and tourism spending in the Philippines from 2011 to 2017, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. 11 million The overcapacity of passengers handled by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last year. SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM FOR A CHANGE, HEAD TO: "We are halfway into the year and we are exactly halfway (on) our National Tourism Development Plan target arrivals..." – BERNADETTE ROMULO PUYAT, TOURISM SECRETARY, DOT Lake Sebu Located in South Cotabato, Mindanao, the lake is a 354-hectare pristine natural lake. The municipality of Lake Sebu where the lake is located also has waterfalls and tribal villages, and a zipline ride that is said to literally take your breath away. Batanes Found off the northern tip of Luzon island, it is one of the most sought-after destinations of intrepid travellers. It is famous for its natural beauty and distinct landscapes lofty cliffs, rolling hills, boulder- lined shores and deep canyons. It is a rustic and rural paradise so expect no modern-day amenities. Philippines banks on demand for dive tourism VISIT BOOTH: D05

• Cover