The Philippines must improve its infrastructure and enhance safety measures to establish itself as a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia, said Victor Lim, president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
While the country has clear advantages over its neighbors, including stunning islands, fluency in English, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, it has lagged behind in attracting international tourists, he said as cited by
Philstar
newspaper.
Last year, the Philippines welcomed 5.95 million foreign tourists, far fewer than Thailand’s 36 million and Malaysia’s 25 million.
“The perception of instability, driven by crime, political turbulence, and a perceived culture of impunity, has negatively affected our global image. To compete, we must act decisively,” Lim said in a statement.
He stressed that peace and order should be a national priority.
Lim suggested that the Philippines modernize its airports and transport links while making tourism services digital-ready to create a more seamless travel experience.
Additionally, he called for streamlining visa processes for tourists and investors from East Asia, particularly China, South Korea, and Japan.
A recent survey by U.K. financial comparison site HelloSafe
named the Philippines the world’s most dangerous country.
The survey has been dismissed by Philippines’ tourism insiders as biased and misleading, while some travelers called it groundless.
