Borderless ASEAN Tourism: Making It Work For The Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Gearing up for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic integration in 2015, the attitude of Filipinos toward tourism has changed. There is now the willingness to learn and perform better than before.

ASEAN, comprising of Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, is improving cooperation and “borderless” travel among the 10 member-states.

The idea is to make the most of seamless travel resulting from integration and to create an “ASEAN hub” in the country.

Last September 29 at Dusit Thani Manila, many stakeholders of Tourism gathered together for the Borderless ASEAN Tourism: Making It Work For The Philippines event. It was led by no less than Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. who provided the Keynote speech, and organized by the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) led by Rosanna Tuason-Fores who gave the Welcome Remarks.

The TCP continues to advocate sustainable tourism practices which we believe will eventually lead to the ever elusive inclusive growth that we as a country want to achieve. It has also been continuously pushing for accelerated development of the country's transport networks on land, sea and air. The Philippines is a nation of islands so without an efficient connectivity, the full potential of our tourism industry will be not be realized.

The program invocation was led by Eileen San Juan, Vice President for Mindanao of TCP. Marisa Nallana, Secretary of TCP introduced the keynote speaker.

Speakers were composed of Dr. Cielito Habito, Former Director-General of NEDA and the USAID-TRADE Project Chief of Party discussing AEC 2015: Opportunities and Challenges, Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya of the Department of Trade and Industry's Regional Operations Group discussing Enabling Business Enterprise Access to Tourism Opportunities in ASEAN,  Director-General William Hotchkiss III from the Civil Aviation Authority of teh Philippines (CAAP) discussed The ASEAN Single Aviation Market: Towards Safe and Secure Travel and Tourism, ASEANTA President Aileen Clemente discussed the ASEAN's Thrust in Marketing and Promotions, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant Secretary Engineer Maria Catalina Cabral of the Planning and PPP talked about Good and Safe Trip Ahead, USAID Advancing Philippine Competitiveness (COMPETE) Project Banking Specialist Albert Pascual shared his insights on Overcoming Barriers to SME Access to Financing, Ban of the Philippine Islands Vice President of Corporate Banking Dennis David shared BPI's services that applies to tourism. Alex  Macatuno, DOT Head of Policy Formulation and Evaluation, provided the ending synthesis. and TCP Trustee Cynthia Mamon gave the Closing Remarks.

Borderless ASEAN Tourism with Secretary Mon Jimenez of DOT, Rosanna Tuason-Forres of TCP and Eileen Clemente of ASEANTA

"Partnering with tour operators, the Philippines is catching up in terms of standardization to be at par with its neighbors. Best and emerging destinations are being improved and promoted. The bloc is improving connectivity via open skies; increasing workforce competitiveness through Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP); simplifying visa procedures through an ASEAN common visa; improving crisis and climate change readiness; establishing quality tourism through standards on hotels, public toilets, spa services, safety and security; and developing sustainable tourist spots and products. Enhanced air connectivity through ASEAN low-cost carriers and simplified visa procedures have contributed to intra-ASEAN travel. The MRA-TP Program will allow for free movement of tourism professionals within the region. There are six labor divisions where tourism professionals may be employed in ASEAN: front office; housekeeping; food production; food and beverage services (for hotel); travel agency; and tour operations."

Reference: Manila Bulletin, and the Future of Philippine Tourism -Tourism Congress of the Philippines

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