Opportunities and Potential for Growth

written by: STEVE HOWE

Steve Howe is an accomplished Business Development Manager with a passion for promoting the beauty and rich culture of the Philippines. He currently leads the efforts at Philippine Resources Tourism Magazine to help grow the country’s tourism industry and highlight its unique attractions. With extensive experience in the Philippines and the tourism industry, Steve is wellequipped to help businesses and individuals showcase their products and services to a wider audience. He has been living in the

Tourism is an important industry for the Philippines, providing numerous economic and social benefits for the country. The basic concept of tourism involves the movement of people outside of their own place of residence for pleasure and leisure, and it differs from traveling to reaching a destination. The hospitality and tourism industries are vast sectors that encompass all economic activities that directly or indirectly contribute to, or depend upon, travel and tourism.

Tourism in the Philippines offers a great opportunity for emerging economies and developing countries to create jobs, strengthen local businesses, and conserve natural environments, cultural assets, and traditions. The industry is vital for the benefits it brings and its role as a commercial activity that creates demand and growth for many more industries.

Before the pandemic, the Philippines welcomed approximately 7 million foreign tourists and 50 million domestic tourists annually. However, due to COVID-19, the tourism industry suffered, and the country’s borders were closed to foreign visitors. With the gradual reopening of the country to foreigners and the ability for nationals to move around freely, the Philippines is looking to re-establish route connections and rebuild infrastructure and buildings damaged by storms in the past three years, making them ready to welcome guests from far and wide.

The Philippines offers a range of key areas to tourists from all over the world, with over 7,600 islands, each offering a rich biodiversity ranging from tropical rain forests, mangroves, and coral reefs to mountain ranges, worldclass beaches, beautiful islands, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The natural beauty of the islands, a strong tourism industry, existing yacht clubs, and a supportive expat community make the Philippines an attractive destination for sailing enthusiasts, with destinations such as Boracay, Puerto Galera, Palawan, Subic Bay, Cebu, and Bohol becoming increasingly popular.

The Philippines is also home to a very rich marine biodiversity, hosting more than 400 out of the planet’s 500 coral species, making it an ideal location for divers. The country currently has over 100 identified diving spots across the islands that are rich in corals and marine species, and it is working towards tapping a larger share of the world’s diving market.

Philippines since 2015, and during this time has worked across multiple industries and cities, giving him a unique perspective on the country’s culture and economy.

If you’re looking to advertise or contribute articles for the magazine’s upcoming issues, Steve is the person to talk to. You can reach him at steve@philippine-resources. com or by calling him at 0969 5209 950. With Steve’s guidance, you can be sure that your brand or content will receive the exposure it deserves.

Moreover, the Philippines is in the process of becoming one of Asia’s top international cruise destinations, and the Department of Tourism (DOT) has identified cruise tourism as one of its priorities. The agency plans to create more ports that will be attractive to, and able to meet the standards of, international cruise ships. Manila, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Boracay, and Davao City in Mindanao have been identified as cruise ship destinations.

The DOT’s plans also include the construction of a cruise port with a terminal in Manila that will be able to host international cruise liners carrying over 3,000 passengers. Cruise tourism is one of the nine product portfolios identified in the DOT’s National Tourism Development Plan, which aims to enhance the country’s competitiveness as a tourist destination in the Asia-Pacific region.

In conclusion, tourism is an important industry for the Philippines, offering numerous opportunities and potential for growth. The industry is vital for the benefits it brings, including job creation, local business development, and conservation of natural environments, cultural assets, and traditions.

With the gradual reopening of the country’s borders to foreign visitors, the Philippines is looking to rebuild and develop infrastructure to welcome guests from all over the world, and establish itself as an attractive destination for yachting, diving, and cruise tourism.