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DOT: Increase in Tourists and Employment in 2018

The country’s tourism industry’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has reached 12.7 percent in 2018.

From the data of the Philippine Statistics Authority, it shows that this figure is 0.5 percent higher compared to 2017. “This is in spite of the six-month closure of Boracay island, one of the country’s major tourist destinations,” said the Department of Tourism (DOT).

“The Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA), an indicator that measures the value added of the tourism industry, amounted to P2.2 trillion, which is an increase of 14.3% from the 2017 TDGVA of P1.9 trillion,” the DOT added.

Almost 5.4 million came from the boost of employment in the tourism industry, which is 1.8 percent higher compared to the 5.3 million jobs in 2017.

“The number of domestic tourists reached 110 million, which is an increase of 14.1 percent from the previous year’s figure of 96.4 million. This exceeds the 89.2 million target in 2022 stated in the National Tourism Development Plan (NDTP). Domestic tourism expenditure is also up by 21 percent at P3.2 trillion, compared to the P2.6 trillion in 2017,” DOT stated.

These achievements were the result of “a holistic and convergent government,” said DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“The Build Build Build program of the administration has greatly improved infrastructure and transport connectivity, while the ease of doing business, coupled with a facilitative environment for investments, has boosted visitor and investor confidence in Philippine tourism,” added Romulo-Puyat.

“Morever, these numbers show that the Philippine tourism industry is sustainable; it is an engine for socio-economic growth that provides jobs and income to the country while preserving Filipino culture and tradition as well as conservation of the environment.”

A stronger 2019 for Philippine tourism

As the local tourism industry proved strong and bountiful in the previous year, more is expected from it this 2019.

With over 40 million Filipinos traveling domestically last year, and with that number growing each year, the infrastructure badly needs to catch up to accommodate visitors.

For travelers not keen on crowded destinations, consideration should be made for some small towns in the Philippines that are starting to make a splash in the tourist industry.

The great thing about visiting less popular spots is that your tourist money goes a longer way – for both you and the locals. What you spend in a hotel, when spent in a quaint guesthouse, can mean a longer stay, and empower small business owners.

At the end of it all, tourism is more than just leisure and business. We want to help those in need, respect and promote their culture, all the while of course still enjoying ourselves.

via Manila Bulletin / Analou De Vera

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One Comment

  1. I find it very interesting how much Filipinos have embraced Korean culture, especially our music and fashion. I always enjoy watching YouTube videos of Pinoy dancers doing their cover of KPop groups

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