Malacañang on Friday welcomed reports that the Philippines has climbed the ranks of the most tourist-friendly countries in the world, saying that the administration remains steadfast to its tourism development plans.
In a press briefing, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace is pleased to receive the news that the country improved eight notches to 74th out of 141 economies in the 2015 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index released by the World Economic Forum.
READ: PH climbs travel sector competitiveness rankings
“This is primarily good news for us because you know that the President and his administration have been taking strides to craft and to implement the tourism development plan, which means that tourism is not just the responsibility of the Department of Tourism, but also the responsibility of departments that have something to do with tourism,” she said.
To back the recent feat, Valte also mentioned that tourist arrivals in the country have been significantly increasing since 2010.
“At the end of 2014, we logged in 4,833,368 international visitor arrivals for the year, and we hope to continue to see those numbers going up as well as numbers for domestic tourism as well,” she said.
In the biennial report, the Philippines scored generally high in the areas of international openness and price competitiveness, but fared lower in safety and security, health and hygiene, environmental sustainability, and ground and port and infrastructure.
In terms of safety and security, Valte said the government continues to deploy the Tourism Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection or TOP COP to identified tourist attractions during peak months and holidays.
“That’s why we also identify areas that way, just to make sure that there is ample police presence in places where we have an influx of visitors,” she added.
As to infrastructure, Valte noted of the efforts of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in identifying roads that needs repair or construction for more accessible tourist spots.
“On that connection, we are pleased to note from the DPWH that the P150-million access road under the Tourism Infrastructure Program has been completed,” she said.
The new road provides an easier access to the Rafflesia Yard at Sitio Kalanganan, Brgy. San Vicente in Baungon, Bukidnon, home to the world’s second largest flower. AU