MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday acknowledged the Philippines’ fierce competition when it came to tourism in Asia, but he remained adamant that the country could become a tourist powerhouse in the region.
Marcos led the inauguration of the Pagudpud Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Pagudpud in his bailiwick, Ilocos Norte.
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“This TRA is an important initiative for us as we want to transform the Philippines into the tourism powerhouse in Asia,” said Marcos in his speech.
“We are in very stiff competition. Thailand has done an extremely good job in promoting tourism. Korea has done a very, very good job doing that. Indonesia, the same thing. Vietnam, the same thing,” he added.
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Marcos said that beyond beautiful natural sites, the Philippines must focus on improving the experience of tourists while they travel.
“It’s not just the beautiful rest house or the nice hotels and the resorts that they stay in. But it is also the ease of which they travel around, the access that we have,” said Marcos.
The President said the government is improving regional airports so travelers no longer need to go through Metro Manila to get to tourist destinations.