New DOT chief woos private sector

MANILA, Philippines -  Newly installed Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez has started wooing the critics of his predecessor Alberto Lim from the private sector in an apparent effort to unify the tourism industry.

Jimenez is set to officially assume the post today.

Days before his appointment as tourism chief, Jimenez reportedly met with officials of the Tourism Congress led by its president Alma Jimenez.

The Tourism Congress confirmed that members of its board met with Jimenez during the Philippine Travel Mart exhibit held at the SMX Convention Center.

The new tourism secretary gamely posed for souvenir photographs with the Tourism Congress’ officials and trustees.

He also thanked them for warmly welcoming his appointment and expressed his desire to meet with them again to discuss issues concerning the tourism sector.

For their part, Tourism Congress officials praised the new DOT chief for his insights on tourism development and its beneficial effects on income and employment generation.

After taking over the tourism portfolio, Jimenez cited the importance of making up for lost time and called on all sectors to work together toward common tourism goals.

Officials and members of the Tourism Congress had openly criticized Lim for his “divisive” style. The group complained that Lim did not consult with them although the law created the congress as a private consultative body tasked to help the government in developing, implementing and coordinating tourism policies.

During his tenure as tourism head, Lim pushed for the amendment of the Tourism Act’s implementing rules and regulations and changed the members of the Tourism Congress.