Shorter holidays to dampen activities in tourism hotspots

CEBU, Philippines – Putting an end to the department order of the past administration that implemented "Holiday Economics" is seen to dampen the potential economic activities in the tourism hotspots in the country.

Holiday economics is deemed by tourism players as one of the best tools that spur intra-regional movement, however since the new administration decided to stop the mandate, it is expected to affect the domestic tourism performance in the country.

While the tourism industry in the country, including Cebu, is still getting a large portion of the total revenue from the active domestic vacationers, the decision of the new administration to discontinue "holiday economics" may dampen potential tourism economic activities, said former tourism director of Central Visayas Patria Aurora Roa.

In an interview with Roa yesterday, she said the tourism industry players are looking forward to the long holidays because it is during these times that the industry will rake in good revenues from increased occupancy rates.

On the other hand, Filipino families and vacationers have also saved money in preparation for the holidays to visit their respective provinces, or plan for get-away vacations in iconic tourism destinations across the country.

"The decision to discontinue the holiday economics concept will diminish the domestic tourism movement. Intra regional travel will be much affected," said Roa.

Definitely, Roa said this decision of President Benigno Aquino III which she described as "unpopular" will hurt the tourism sector, especially in destinations that are depending largely on the domestic travelers.

Earlier, Aquino declared that the All Saints Day on November 2 will be a regular working holiday. According to Roa, this is one of the unpopular decisions of the present administration.

Filipinos are used to bond with their families in cemeteries on this particular day, she said.

Besides, companies will also be affected, as employees will be forced to file vacation leave or absences during that day.

While the global tourism industry is still recovering, the Philippines' tourism sector is still thriving because of the active domestic travelers. Furthermore, with the crisis situation that happened in August this year, the domestic market has served as the "saving grace" of the affected tourism related businesses.

Roa hopes that in the next few months, the government will be able to see the difference and will reconsider the implementation of the "holiday economics" concept. (FREEMAN)