Business chamber cites urgent need to reform laggard tourism industry

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) said the government needs to reform the tourism industry, which it said continues to lag its regional peers.

Victor R. Lim, FFCCCII president, said immediate, decisive, and comprehensive reforms are needed for the Philippines if it is to reap the benefits of the robust tourism recovery seen elsewhere in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“Our nation is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty and resources. Yet, as our ASEAN neighbors celebrate a robust tourism recovery, the Philippines is charting a dissimilar and concerning course,” he said in a statement on Sunday.

“We are at a pivotal time where decisive, comprehensive reform is not just an option — it is an urgent economic imperative,” he added.

Citing the Department of Tourism, FFCCCII said international arrivals totaled 5.24 million in the first 11 months, down 2.2% from a year earlier and 37% below pre-pandemic levels.

“This Philippine tourism decline is a direct blow to our national economic well-being,” Mr. Lim said.

“Tourism is our economy’s low-hanging fruit. It is the most accessible engine for inclusive economic growth — a sector that directly creates jobs and sustains the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” he added.

He said some of the challenges faced by the industry are congested gateways, logistical hurdles, and unreliable connectivity.

“(These) create a barrier deterring the mainstream traveler, limiting our appeal to only the most adventurous,” he said.

He said the Philippines should continue modernizing primary airports and improving inter-island travel infrastructure.

“This is non-negotiable. The first and last impression must be one of efficiency and ease,” he added.

He also cited the need to streamline the visa issuance process and better promote the country’s culture, history, and cuisine.

Mr. Lim proposed a visa regime competitive with the rest of ASEAN.

“We must immediately benchmark and match the most visitor-friendly visa policies in our ASEAN region, making the choice to visit the Philippines an easy one,” he added.

Meanwhile, he said that tourism promotion should move beyond scenery.

“We must train our industry and tell stories that connect our landscapes to our living heritage, our flavors, and our famed hospitality,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile