Even during the last 10 years or so, tourist arrivals have not broken the two-million mark a year. And, mind you, this figure already includes the balikbayans and the overseas Filipino workers.
In contrast, Thailand, Malaysia and even Singapore each average 10 million tourist arrivals annually. Even Indonesia, with their share of terrorist threats and bombings, posted five-million arrivals last year. And fast catching up is Vietnam.
Because occupancy rates have not picked up, even the snobbish high-end hotels have agreed not only to scale down room rates but also accept what was thought of as unimaginable in better days, that is, to take in tour groups.
But alas! the moneyed, leisure travelers – both local and foreign – who can actually make a difference in boosting local tourism are not biting. Lavish spenders are not wowed by the Philippines.
Even in Boracay, noted as a top tourist destination, bookings in hotels and resorts are not even nearly half-full. Unlike in previous years, there were still American and European tourists that came in during the lean months of July to October. This year was a different situation altogether.
There is this age-old concern about inadequate infrastructure and other support services required to lure the high-end tourists still not in place.
For instance, while we brag about our natural, unspoiled attractions, there are not enough rooms and support infrastructure to take in more tourists if they decide to come and give the country a try.
As an example, in Palawan, there are only two tiny airports, one in El Nido and one in Busuanga, which can only bring in no more than 50 passengers a day. In Manila, we have an expanded international airport with three terminals, but there is only one working runway.
On more mundane matters, it’s such a turnoff when visitors to tourist spots like the spruced-up Intramuros have to pay for toilets that don’t work, or couldn’t get a copy of local area maps, an item one can easily get in other more tourist-oriented countries.
The Philippines has so many tourist destinations to offer owing to its rich history, culture and picturesque sites. But without more private sector investment and sustained, not sporadic, well-coordinated government support, it will be difficult to realize its potentials.
Government has been spending substantial amounts of money for advertising campaigns like "WOW Philippines." But are we ready to deliver as advertised? Paging Secretary Richard Gordon.
Assurance that drug-testing results are reliable is critical specially if there is public disclosure of those who fail the test. The recent incident involving prominent players in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) who allegedly failed the PBA-conducted drug tests is an example. Even the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) questioned the adequacy of the testing procedures that resulted in the suspension of basketball player Jun Limpot.
Dr. Sanchez is one of those in the medical field who advocates the broader application of the use of local anesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks. They claim that these procedures will significantly reduce the cost of major operations, a big boost to those who are suffering from ailments that require costly surgery.
An active member of "Operations Smile," a medical mission that performs cleft lip repair for indigent groups, Dr. Sanchez recently launched his book entitled, "Oriental Rhinoplasty" compiling his extensive experiences in rhinoplasty and reconstructive surgery. The book is considered as "the first of its kind in the field and also the first of its kind in the Philippines."
Join us break barriers with Dr. Sanchez as he answers questions about unsafe practices in cosmetic surgery, including nose lifts, nose fixing and the highly popular (and controversial) liposuction procedures. Watch it.
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