Make travel hassle-free for local, foreign tourists

I agree with the news, “Patronize local tourist spots, Duterte tells Pinoys” (02/15/20), given the declining number of foreign tourists amid the global threat of COVID-19.

This country has many beautiful places to boast of, and we should be able to entice our fellow Filipinos to go around the country in a bid to boost domestic tourism. With our huge population, it would be a big help to our local economy if we pick local destinations instead of touring abroad.

But first, we must ensure a hassle-free journey. As a frequent traveler myself, I am disgusted when our domestic airports have different policies—for example, on what objects are allowed as carry-on. More often than not, airport personnel act on a whim. In one of our travels from Cebu to Manila, my daughter’s Victoria’s Secret cologne, though less than 100 ml, was confiscated at the airport; same thing happened to her facial cleanser. I argued that both were allowed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. To my dismay, the airport official insisted that the container, not the content, was the reason the cologne and the facial cleanser had to be surrendered.

In my recent trip from Dipolog to Manila, I was ordered to take off my wristwatch at the final check-in even though I was allowed to wear it through the check at Naia Terminal 3. The airport employee insisted that they were just implementing the rule.

In other local airports, passengers cannot use the trolley unless they engage the service of porters, who charge a lot because there is no fixed rate.

These are just some of the unpleasant experiences at our own airports.

There are other travel-related inconveniences like jacked-up transportation fares. Just recently, I took a tricycle from the Montaño sardines factory in Dipolog to the airport. I asked the driver how much the fare was, and he replied, “Kayo na ang bahala.” Transportation fares must be regulated, just like in other countries where passengers pay a standard amount wherever they go. More often than not, tourists in the Philippines are taken advantage of whenever they take public transport, specifically via tricycle, taxi, or banca. Could we not implement a standard rate?

The tag line “It’s more fun in the Philippines” should not only apply to foreigners. Much is yet to be discovered by every Filipino right in our own backyard. However, a concerted effort must be done if we want domestic tourism to flourish.

BELEN DOCENA-ASUELO,

[email protected]