by ALEX P. VIDAL
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – A stinking toilet and with no soap and tissue paper in airports and other major public places and shopping centers compounded by unstable peace and order will be a big blow to tourism industry in the Philippines.
This was emphasized recently by Amado Mercado, vice president of the Multicultural Helping House on Fraser St. Vancouver, BC. Mercado is helping promote Philippine tourism in this part of North America and helping entice Canada-based Filipinos to visit the Philippines "at least once a year."
"But the Aquino government must first prioritize the fixing of public toilets, especially in the airports; and must improve the peace and order situation," volunteered Mercado, 64, a former councilor in Quezon City, who now resides in Richmond, British Columbia.
Infrastructure also plays a key role in promoting tourism in the Philippines such as train service that links the airport to major metropolis where hotels and shopping centers are located and freeways that will solve traffic and shorten travel distance, said Mercado .
He observed that some balikbayans are hesitant to visit the Philippines after hearing and reading reports in the media about dirty washrooms in airports and deteriorating peace and order.
"Cleanliness is a must if we want to attract more tourists," Mercado said. "The Philippines must improve in the services area where tourists normally base their impression about the country they visit."
He cited that in Canada, establishments that fail to maintain cleanliness and provide soap and tissue papers in toilets are penalized.
TOURISM ICONS
Mercado said if all Filipinos living abroad will come home at least once a year, they can contribute to the economy of the Philippines.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Philippines, meanwhile, has vowed to push for better airports and other infrastructure projects nationwide as well as enhancing two of Manila’s tourism icons – Intramuros and Luneta - to make the Philippines among the top three destinations in Asia.
In a press statement, DoT quoted Tourism Sec. Alberto Lim as saying the government’s mission is to make the country tourist-friendly. "We have to welcome our guests as we would welcome them to our own home. After experiencing our warm welcome, they will spread the word. Once that happens, tourism will be a major driver of growth and job creation throughout the country as it should be."
But home, the Philippines, he said, must first be prepared for the guests, adding, "we can only do this in partnership with the local government units and private sector organizations."
"From the government end, we need to drastically improve our airports, seaports and roads to make travel convenient, and emerging destinations accessible. The same must be done with security. Tourists must feel they will be safe before they decide to come," he said. The DOT has been coordinating with the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police on assigning tourist police in high density tourist areas.
MUST-SEE DESTINATION
DOT, he added, will exert every effort possible to make the Philippines a must-see destination. "For sure Manila needs better attractions and they have ideas on how we could improve, upgrade and sell Luneta and Intramuros. The same with other destinations all over the country," he said.
Luneta can be a safe walking park for families, not just tourists. We are looking at reviving the fountain and bringing back cultural events. Intramuros is quite near and tells visitors a part of our history. Within the next few years, San Ignacio Church would be rebuilt and reused as a museum. We would like to add more life in the Walled City at night. If they are transformed and transformation is replicated in other heritage sites, "We’re in business," he said, adding that a vibrant tourism will generate business opportunities and thousands of jobs.
Part of the transformation, he added, is the people factor. "We are naturally warm to guests and this is a major plus. English is also widely spoken, another plus. We must however deliver services, be it in F&B, tour guiding or transportation, at an internationally accepted level."
"We are starting corrective work at our main gateway, NAIA, where the first and last impressions of our country are made. Quite basic but we have to ensure that the terminals, including the bathrooms are clean."
"Once the infra-structure side is in place, the destinations are spruced up, and the people show their natural warmth, the visitors would have nothing but the best experience to share with their friends back home," Lim said. /MP
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