Travel operators rally behind ‘Visit RP’ program

Travel and tour operators have rallied behind the Visit Philippines 2003 program of the government but said issues hounding the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 project must first be resolved before the facility is opened to the public.

Leaders of the Network of Independent Travel Agencies (NITAS) and the Travel Cooperative of the Philippines (TCP) said Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon should be supported in his program to boost tourism since it is the whole country that will benefit from it.

They cited Gordon for the increase in tourist arrivals despite some tourism setbacks created by adverse travel advisories and news about kidnappings and the deteriorating peace and order situation.

"Gordon’s enthusiasm is infectious. We share in his vision of making the Philippines an attractive tourist destination despite negative events like kidnappings of foreign nationals," Robert Lim Joseph, NITAS president, said.

He said their group, NITAS and TCP, are in the midst of preparation for Visit Philippines 2003 which is aimed at generating tourist interest in the country. "We have several beautiful tourist destinations which we can offer to tourists," he added.

He said tourism-related groups are preparing and coordinating activities all over the country, with Intramuros as the showcase.

Joseph noted that Gordon just came from a month-long promotion mission for Visit Philippines 2003 in North America and China, which shows his determination to perk up tourism.

He said the people should rally around Gordon and not be affected by the troubles facing the country. "We should move forward. We can no longer be a fence sitter."

However, Joseph said before NAIA 3 opens to the public, issues surrounding the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (Piatco) contract be resolved first "since leaving these hanging will have a negative impact on our image abroad."

Among the issues to be resolved are the case pending in the Supreme Court filed by a coalition of labor unions; the investigation conducted by three Senate committees into the Piatco contract, and the review of the Piatco deal conducted by a Malacanang panel.

"It is not good for the country as well as its image abroad if the controversy is left unresolved as this will be open to much speculation, specially in the light of revelations that the project was plagued with corruption," he said.

Joseph said they are also saddened by the poor roads leading out of Terminal 3, which could discourage foreign visitors. He learned that the Tramo overpass leading to the new airport will be finished by middle of next year. "The government and Piatco should hasten the construction of these road improvements, lest this would become another blackeye to our image abroad," he said.

The Terminal 3 is scheduled for opening on Nov. 26 this year but the government, particularly the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), doubts the readiness of the airport.