Economics and Tourism 2

              What do Marcos, FVR and GMA have in common? Marcos was the innovator. Ramos was the general. On the other hand, Arroyo is the economist. These Philippine presidents are known to have very distinct administrative styles but there is still a common ground between them. Did you know that these three heads of state traveled the most to promote our own country? They were often abroad to meet with other world leaders but as they did, they also endorse the Philippines in an international level. If the president travels a lot, critics complain that he is wasting the people’s hard earned money. Still, we forget that through these excursions, the president is able to invite more tourists and investors. The three mentioned presidents knew that boosting our tourism could solve a number of major problems in the country.  For a country filled with convivial hosts but high poverty rates, what can tourism truly do? I remember fairly well a former ad by the country’s government stating, “Tourism means JOBS!” I cannot disagree with this slogan. First of all, from vendors to waiters, ushers for transport to farmers in distant regions even the taho vendors (magtataho) and physical therapists (masahistas) in Boracay earn an income through tourism. Directly or not, a lot benefit and a lot continue to live through tourism. The different industries and sectors like business, agriculture and education simply aren’t enough to provide jobs for everyone. Tourism can help fill the gap while giving life to all other industries in the Philippines. Additional jobs can be a starting point for firing this economy of ours. One of the continuous aches of the country is the brain and brawn drain which happens when our work force seeks greener pastures. The exodus of good laborers and skilled professionals leave the country crippled. Tourism can help Juan dela Cruz take hold of these workers. With the rise of new establishments and tourism related affairs, more jobs are created. As the inflow of tourists increases, a proliferation of higher paying jobs shall transpire as well. Instead of going abroad, our workers will choose to stay. That’s definitely good news, right? In the industry of tourism, not only do we usher in tourists but also development itself. Take a look at the Global City in Taguig. At first, it was a bare and unproductive area. Now, it is not only a promising business quarter but also a metropolitan tourist getaway. Establishments after establishments are built to cater to the large number of tourists and foreigners who mostly invested in the vicinity. New hotels, restaurants and even parks like the Manila Ocean Park near the Quirino Grandstand are designed, constructed and opened. Already famous must-see destinations continue to improve and expand to accommodate the wide range of target markets. We, Filipinos, invest in these places by building new infrastructures, adopting new technologies, renovating the old and simply beautifying the spot. All these developments take place as we import more visitors. With development comes innovation. New industries are born and become self-sufficient. Cebu, for example, controls its own capital. It is independent because of the number of tourists who serve as a market for their local goods. Our local industries are not as export dependent as before because they have a market in the area itself. With tourists itching to buy and try Philippine products and memorabilia, our small time producers have customers too. Our dear pearl market now thrives in the coastal tourist spots while the delicacies of the different provinces are bought by tourists who want to taste something new.  Economics tells us that we have very limited resources that continue to diminish by the second. With all these developments in line with tourism, our environment suffers. The degradation of our natural surroundings cannot be avoided if we want progress. This problem relating to tourism is being answered little by little by the government and private organizations. Boracay with its white sand beaches has been the talk of the town after several organizations pointed out its rapid destruction and pollution. The construction frenzy received a moratorium. The environmental problems must be faced first. Since people realize the value of their environment as their source of income and life, they learn to regulate resources. No tourist would want to swim in a polluted sea. No tourist would want to climb barren mountains. Filipinos learn to balance their endless needs with their limited resources. We learn to take care of our environment which is the only resource we have. With development, there is a price to pay but with proper care and handling, we can still save and conserve our resources. About 1.2 million tourists visited the country in 1992. In 2000, a whopping 2.2 million arrived. As more visitors come, the Philippines gains further. As we all know, a huge part of the economic sector relies on the country’s tourism. With so much culture and beauty, the Philippines still has more to offer. Tourism is the thriving panacea of the Philippines. Our presidents, including the economist, saw the possibility. It can solve a number of economic problems but we need to invest on this industry. We need to unlock all potentials. Our economy needs a boost and tourism will do the job. Tourism will fuel the country’s departure for economic take-off.      

~ by erulisse123 on April 4, 2008.