Entertaining tourism

We received a number of emails in reaction to our May 27 column where we wrote about the reasons why the tourism industry has been slow to take off. Many readers gave additional reasons why to this day, we are attracting only three million tourists instead of 10 million or more – from the obnoxiously high rates charged even on local tourists for the rental of tricycles or boats, to the lack of decent toilets in stopover areas.

Many lament the lack of infrastructure – good roads, secondary airports in strategic locations, sewage systems to comply with sanitation and environmental requirements – as reasons why we have not been successful in attracting as many tourists as Thailand, Malaysia and even Vietnam. Those who have been to Thailand, Singapore and other neighboring countries point out the stark contrast to the Philippines which becomes obvious from the very moment a tourist steps off the plane. Even British Ambassador Peter Beckingham and his wife Jill admit that they love the Philippines, but they have also observed that the country really lacks adequate infrastructure to boost the tourism industry.

However, the one good news right now is that the Entertainment City of the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) is on a roll, with major investors reportedly eyeing the mega project, including major outfits like Genting of Malaysia, Japan’s Aruze Corp., Bloombury Investments of the British Virgin Island as well as the SM Investments Corp. in tandem with the Asia-Pacific Gaming Corp. of Australia.

Insiders tell me there’s every indication that the $15-billion project will be successful judging from the grandiose plans which combines a Las Vegas-style gaming and tourism complex with luxury hotels, malls, museums, theatres, arcades, health spas, sports arenas, a golf course, state-of-the-art transportation system – the works – and all according to world-class standards.

Opposition to the ambitious project has largely stemmed from the perception that since it’s PAGCOR that is driving the idea, the Entertainment City will be nothing more than a “gambling Mecca.” On the contrary, it seems there will be more entertainment offered judging from the plans and the planned structures. Filipinos are known all over the world for being great entertainers, and the theaters will definitely be an avenue to showcase Filipino talent. Who knows, in the near future Filipino entertainers will not have to go abroad because they will have all the motivation and the opportunity to display their talent right here at home, watched by audiences flying in from all parts of the world.

What’s also critical to tourism – as our neighbors like Thailand have obviously found out – are the kind of tourists that visit, which is why they have shifted their focus on “quality tourists” who stay for a longer period and who have a bigger spending capacity than say, backpackers. The Entertainment City complex will eventually include international convention centers. Convention delegates certainly spend more dollars than just casual tourists.

Criticism to the project has mostly come from the religious sector, but PAGCOR chair Efraim Genuino seems confident that even the influential Catholic Church will soon see the light. As a matter of fact, a number of people from the religious sector – which included retired bishops from the Catholic Church and an interfaith leader – even graced the groundbreaking ceremonies held early in April.

Incidentally, the theme parks would be interesting since they could give families more options for entertainment. Judging from the people’s enthusiastic response to the Manila Ocean Park – the country’s first oceanarium – Filipino families are developing a taste for the kind of entertainment that will not only give fun and amusement but would also enrich their kids’ perspective of the world.

The Manila Ocean Park for instance has a vast potential in creating awareness and education on the Philippines’ marine ecosystem and the need to protect and preserve marine life. Having such theme parks in the country will certainly encourage local tourism. Filipino families will not have to go to Hong Kong or Tokyo to have a great experience knowing they can have it right here in Manila.

But more than entertainment however, what people should consider is the fact that the entertainment complex offers a vast potential for employment – more than 250,000 jobs – from waiters to caddies to sales people and even nurses and caregivers since there are also plans to put up retirement homes and medical facilities within the 90-hectare area. As a matter of fact, the construction phase alone is providing thousands of jobs to engineers, architects, construction people and other skilled workers.

PAGCOR’s reputation as being a cash cow for government and politicians is fast changing into one that is more progressive and visionary – which I think is what it should be.

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