Value-for-money destinations urged

The travel sector is urging more focused value-for-money destinations amid the global financial crunch.

Robert Lim Joseph, chairman emeritus of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, praised the trourism program in intensifying marketing efforts to achieve arrival targets.

“Together we are implementing practical measures and not just come up with open skies which had failed to bring in tourists,” he said.

Joseph said the industry was expecting a pinch as vacationers cut down on travel in the first quarter of next year.

Jojo Clemente, president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, joined Joseph in backing Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano in promoting value-for-money come-ons by way of education and medical tourism, taking advantage of reduced fuel surcharge and fares by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.

With Metro Manila as hub, industry leaders see the promotions radiating to Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete, Palawan, Boracay, Bicol, and Siargao Island among the value-for-money attractions.

The harmonized program calls for a dynamic interaction between the private sector and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp. with a view to revisit Executive Order 500-A to avert the downturn in tourist arrivals. (manilastandardtoday)