The MICE and Tourism Industry stakeholders in the Philippines need financial aid from the government because of Covid19.
Most of the MICE and Tourism Industry players are SME companies that have limited funds and are easily affected by the current pandemic. Add to the fact that NEDA estimates that 30 million to 40 million jobs are lost because of the current situation.
The 14 Billion budget allotment for the Department of Tourism programs and projects is good news. However, tourism stakeholders hope that some of the funds will be placed as financial aid to the stakeholders and stakeholders’ staff.
Nobody saw this pandemic coming. The Philippines is one of the top 10 countries dependent on Tourism the effects are chilling. The possible financial stimulus that the Department of Tourism will infuse to the stakeholders can serve as oxygen that will resuscitate tourism companies gasping for air.
Now that the budget allotment is officially declared, the next question is will there be financial aid allotted to the stakeholders?
If there are the implementation guidelines must now be drafted and ensure the speed of distribution. The tourism industry stakeholders need this badly.
The
new Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) officers were sworn to office by
the Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The
new Tourism Congress of the Philippines officers are:
·Jose C. Clemente III, President, Rajah Tours Philippines
Inc.;
·Rommel T. Gonzales, Executive Vice President, The Bellevue
Resort Bohol;
·Ronald S. Ang, VP for Luzon, Misibis Resort and Hotel
Management Inc.;
·Marisa D. Nallana, VP for Visayas, Philippine Exhibits and
Themeparks Corp.;
·Nelia R. Arina, VP for Mindanao, One Corporate Grand Tours,
Inc.;
·Orlando A. Ballesteros, Secretary, Ex-link Management and
Marketing Services Corp.;
·Cynthia R. Mamon, Treasurer, Enchanted Kingdom, Inc.;
·Harry D. Morris, Public Relations Officer, Hijo Resources
Corporation;
·Gilbert Remulla, Trustee, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure
Park;
·Peter K. Tay, Trustee, Boracay Adventures Inc.;
·Henry P. Oyao, Trustee, Check Cars Transport System;
·Sandra G. Dy, Trustee, HAFTI Tours Inc.;
·Edgar C. Cases, Trustee, Malapascua Aquasport Corp.;
·Eileen E. San Juan, Trustee, Southland Events. Inc.;
·Lourdes S. Bibiit, Trustee, Sierra Yatti Transport;
·Elpidio M. Paras, Trustee, UC-1 Corporation Dahilyan
Adventure Park.
The
Tourism Congress of the Philippines is created under Republic Act No. 9593
known as the Tourism Act of 2009.
The
law encourages more private participation in the crafting of tourism policies
all over the Philippines.
With the many issues confronting the tourism sector, becoming a member of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines is a must. This allow players to let their voice be heard in the direction setting of the industry.
The 2nd International
Travel Festival(ITF) is an
event that strongly supports the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Visit the Philippines 2015 Campaign
that targets 10 Million tourists.
The 2ndInternational Travel Festival(ITF) slated on December 18 -20, 2014
at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex is gearing up to be the
exhibition platform of choice in allowing companies to promote their products
and services as the Philippines welcomes the ASEAN Integration next year.
ITF aims to promote Philippines and ASEAN Nations’ destinations as world
class attractions for both trade and tourism. This fit in the Visit the
Philippines tourism campaignfor 2015.
Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.
explained that Visit Philippines is not meant to replace "It's More Fun in
the Philippines." Instead, he said, it sustains the campaign and freshens
it up at the same time. To support VPY, DOT also launched a microsite that serves as a
directory for events all over the country.
Some major events that are taking place next year are
: Pope Francis visit to Tacloban in mid-January, Madrid Fusion, APEC
Ministerial Meetings and Leaders Summit to name a few. These events and other events will support the
achievement of the 10 Million tourists for next year.
ITF boasts exhibitors from different categories like International Trade Association,
Travel and Tour Destinations Hotels and Resorts, Airlines, Bus lines and
Cruises, Wellness Travel (Nature & Relaxation Destinations), and Team
Building Destinations Extreme Adventure Destinations are joining at ITF to
cater to an expected 5,000 visitors.
