The Tourism Act of 2009 was a landmark piece of legislation in the Philippines that provided a much-needed boost to the country’s tourism industry. This law, which was signed by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, aimed to promote and develop sustainable tourism in the Philippines, thereby boosting economic growth and creating jobs.
Background
Before the Tourism Act of 2009 was enacted, the Philippine tourism industry faced several challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of investment, poor marketing strategies, and inadequate regulation. As a result, the country’s tourism industry struggled to compete with other popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
The Objectives of the Tourism Act of 2009
The Tourism Act of 2009 aimed to address these challenges by providing a comprehensive framework for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in the Philippines. The objectives of this law were as follows:
- To promote and develop sustainable tourism in the Philippines
- To attract more foreign tourists to the country
- To create more jobs in the tourism industry
- To protect and preserve natural and cultural heritage sites
- To establish an effective regulatory framework for tourism-related activities
- To provide incentives for investors in the tourism sector
The Impact of the Tourism Act of 2009 on Philippine Tourism
Since its enactment, the Tourism Act of 2009 has had a significant impact on Philippine tourism. Here are some ways this law has contributed to the growth and development of this industry:
Increased Tourist Arrivals:
One of the primary objectives of this law was to attract more foreign tourists to visit the Philippines. The efforts made under this law have been successful as we can see from rising tourist arrivals over recent years. According to data from The Department Of Tourism (DOT), the Philippines welcomed a record high of 7.1 million foreign tourists in 2018, which is a 7.65% increase from the previous year.
Improved Infrastructure:
The Tourism Act of 2009 has also contributed to the improvement of infrastructure in the country, particularly in tourist hotspots. The government has invested heavily in improving airports, seaports, highways, and other transportation facilities that are essential for tourism.
Increased Employment:
The growth of Philippine tourism has created more jobs in the industry. According to data from the DOT, the tourism industry employed around 5.4 million Filipinos in 2018 alone.
Promotion and Marketing:
The Tourism Act of 2009 has also helped improve marketing and promotion efforts for Philippine tourism. The government has launched various campaigns to promote different parts of the country as tourist destinations. These efforts have been successful in increasing awareness about the Philippines as a viable travel destination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tourism Act of 2009 has played a vital role in promoting and developing sustainable tourism in the Philippines. Through this law, the country’s tourism industry has experienced significant growth and development over recent years. By attracting more foreign tourists to visit the country, improving infrastructure and transportation facilities, creating more jobs for Filipinos, and promoting different parts of the country as tourist destinations, we can see how this law has had a positive impact on Philippine tourism.