THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism should take advantage of the international attention the Philippines is getting lately from the world press, for such global news events like the much-awaited Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight and the forthcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit to be held November this year in Manila.
With tourist arrival figures that look minuscule compared to those of our neighbors in the Southeast Asian region, the tourism department should mount a massive publicity campaign worldwide to project the Philippines as an ideal tourist destination in this part of the world. Not only for our world-class resorts and pristine beaches in the provinces, but more so for the historical sites, high-end shopping malls, luxury hotels, newly opened casinos, etc. in Metro Manila, which can compete with the best in the world.
Indeed, there is a rare and golden opportunity for Philippine tourism to shine on the world stage—if we play our cards well!
—PEDRO V. REFUERZO JR.,
jn_refuerzo@yahoo.com