Pitching Philippines as tourist destination

The Philippines could emerge as one of Asia’s top tourist destinations if we could only put our house in order. No amount of publicity by the Department of Tourism could entice foreign tourists to visit our shores if public safety is their primary concern.

Threats coming from the Abu Sayyaf and Maute groups scare foreign tourists away from visiting the Philippines.

As a temporary solution to the problem, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo should invite foreign travel writers and show them the true
picture of the Philippines today: A relatively peaceful and progressive country unlike what they have been seeing and hearing from the international wire service.

PEDRO V. REFUERZO JR.