THE TOURISM department said it expects to hit its target of 6.8 million foreign tourist arrivals in the country by yearend despite the effects of typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) and travel advisories imposed by some countries.
“I would say, yes, because although we have a lot of catching up to do because of typhoon Yolanda and tightness due to some travel advisories, all of our markets still continue to grow,” Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. told reporters on the sidelines of the Asia CEO Awards when asked about the visitor target.
Last year, the Philippines missed its goal of 5.5 million foreign tourist arrivals, ending only at 4.7 million in 2013 due to the effects of typhoon Yolanda in November and the earthquake in Bohol in October.
On Sept. 12, China warned its citizens not to travel to the Philippines after a Chinese teenager who worked in a family-run store was kidnapped.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also showed apprehension due to plots confirmed by the Philippine National Police that criminal groups planned to attack the Chinese embassy, Chinese companies and other establishments.
“The hard numbers we have are only up to September. We are up about 4%, the revenue has grown by about 17%. We’re making more money than we made last year, as they (tourists) are staying longer,” Mr. Jimenez added.
On Thursday, Mr. Jimenez reiterated his confidence about the visitor targets when he appeared at the Senate for a hearing. “Easily about 40% of the (tourism) business comes in the 4th quarter of the year,” he told reporters on the sidelines.
“We continue to sustain the campaign year-round in the market, and we are stepping up our efforts in new markets. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.”
Barring any new calamities, he said that the lost visitor numbers will be made up for by 2015. -- Chrisee Jalyssa V. Dela Paz and Vince Alvic Alexis F. Nonato
source: Businessworld
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