Aussie envoy hints tourism exchange program with Phl

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippines and Australia could embark on a tourism-exchange program that could be beneficial for both countries, but the Philippine government should first act on it, this according to Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell.

Cebu, for instance could maximize its advantage as “diving destination” and that it is possible that the Australian government could help Cebu in terms of providing experts on how to further promote and upgrade the promotion of its diving destinations.

However, this kind of program should be initiated by the Philippine government, specifically the Department of Tourism (DOT), said Tweddell.

He said there is an increasing number of Australians who are traveling to the Philippines, specifically Cebu to enjoy the different diving sites here.

Upscaling the tourism industry in the Philippines, seeking the help of the Australian experts can be done through a tourism exchange program, but the initiative should come from the Philippine government, the Ambassador said.

Record from the DOT revealed that Australian national arrivals to the Philippines only grew by 2.2 percent as of April this year, compared to the same period in 2011.

In the first three months of this year, Australian arrivals to the Philippines totaled 16,615 a 2.2 percent improvement from 16,263 in 2011.

Tweddell expressed confidence that the Philippines could maximize its tourism potential and attract more international tourists, including Australian visitors, if it has to further promote its destination well in the international market.

In an earlier study conducted by the DOT, in coordination with Professor Tommy B. Lopez Jr., director of ACE Center for Entrepreneurship and Management Education Inc., it was identified that Cebu could take advantage of the four types of markets in the tourism industry, more so if it has to capitalize on its Scuba Diving attraction.  (FREEMAN)