What Is Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts?

By Michael Ferguson

Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts: Understanding the Importance of This Statistical Tool

Have you ever wondered how the tourism industry in the Philippines is measured, analyzed, and evaluated? The answer lies in a statistical tool called Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA).

What is PTSA?
PTSA is a system of measurement that provides a comprehensive picture of the contribution of tourism to the Philippine economy. It measures not only the direct impact of tourism but also its indirect and induced effects on different sectors.

Direct Impact
Direct impact pertains to the economic activity generated by tourists themselves. This includes expenditures on accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, and recreation.

Indirect Impact
Indirect impact refers to the economic activity generated by industries that supply goods and services to tourism-related businesses. Examples include food suppliers, construction firms that build hotels, and transport companies that provide vehicles for airport transfers.

Induced Impact
Induced impact refers to the economic activity generated by increased household income from tourist-related employment. For instance, hotel staff can use their higher salaries to purchase more goods and services from other industries.

Why is it Important?
PTSA provides valuable insights into how tourism contributes to the Philippine economy. It helps policymakers make informed decisions regarding policies and investments that can further enhance the industry’s growth potential.

Moreover, PTSA enables businesses in the tourism sector to identify areas for improvement in their operations. They can use this data to tailor their offerings according to tourists’ preferences, thereby increasing customer satisfaction levels.

How is it Calculated?
PTSA uses a set of standard definitions and accounting principles developed by international organizations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Eurostat. These guidelines ensure consistency in measuring tourism’s economic contribution across different countries.

In practice, PTSA involves collecting data from various sources such as surveys and administrative records. The data is then processed using a set of mathematical models to estimate tourism-related economic activity.

Conclusion
The Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts is an essential tool for measuring the economic contribution of tourism to the country. It enables policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions that can further enhance the industry’s growth potential.

By understanding how PTSA works and its importance, we can appreciate the critical role that tourism plays in driving economic development in the Philippines.