Gordon encourages DOT, ATOP to strengthen domestic tourism
Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon encouraged the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP) to strengthen domestic tourism as only few tourists would be able to travel with the current economic crunch in the United States.
Gordon, a former secretary of DOT, was the guest speaker in the opening of the 2008 ATOP national convention here Thursday. In an interview, he said there is a need to make a lot of noise about the different tourism destinations in the country so that people will come over. "Tourism is making noise by being proud of your destination."
He said tourism is service and it is being part of the community. You will even be prouder if you serve the tourists better whether they are domestic or foreign. The access to the different tourism destinations is important. Tourism is local and it has never been national. "The climate change is upon us and so it will be domestic market that will rule the tourism industry."
Gordon also requested the tourism officers to participate and look for people who will visit the different tourism spots in the country. The roles of the tourism officers are very important. They are the front liners in terms of tourism. "Tourism is basically showing your homes."
The senators said there is a need to strengthen the different tourism destinations. There is the challenge on our nation's security and even terrorism. "All politics is local and all tourism is local. Tourism is never national."
"Other countries have disasters too. It is important to put your best face forward, the smiles, food, beaches and culture. Something that they don't see in the country. It is very important for the tourism department and ATOP to step up and make it happen."
The senator cited the churches of Jaro, Miag-ao and Molo and its famous "pancit molo". They have to capitalize on what is available in their places, he said.
The cleaning of beaches must not only be for sanitation purposes but for tourism industry. In Europe, people are fascinated by the different beaches, he said.