Tourism group asks govt to improve roads

CEBU, Philippines - Tourism in the Philippines will be promoted further and effectively if the government agencies work together with the common goal of attracting tourists.

This is the view of the Tourism Educators and Movers (TEAM) Philippines founding chairman Robert Lim Joseph, who spoke before a gathering of tourism stakeholders in meeting recently.

“The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other government line agencies should work hand in hand together the Department of Tourism (DOT) to ensure that all tourism-related efforts will not be put to waste,” Joseph said.

Joseph said the DPWH should take a look at the condition of roads around the country because roads bring the tourists from their hotels to their destinations.

The DILG, he added, can also compel local governments units to ensure proper disposal of garbage that are often found along the road.

“Roads are like veins, they connect straight to the destinations, like veins connect to the heart. Now our roads are so full of cholesterol,” said Joseph.

He urged the government to fast track infrastructure development especially roads that lead to major tourist destinations.

He also echoed the sentiments of some travel and tour operators who often receive comments from tourists regarding the presence of dilapidated tricycles, heaps of garbage and other eyesores along tourism roads around the country.

“Dirty and damage roads are major turn-offs and will leave negative impression on tourists,” said Joseph.

The local police should also take action on complaints of tourists who are victims of pickpockets especially by street children. Joseph said that these activities will prevent tourists from coming back and could discourage tourists from coming in.

Just recently, there was much debate about the new tourism slogan or campaign of the Depart of Tourism to promote the country. Critics have accused the national government of spending money for a slogan that was only copied from that of another country. — (FREEMAN)