What Is the Contribution of Arroyo Administration in Tourism?

By Anna Duncan

During the Arroyo administration, tourism in the Philippines experienced a significant boost. The government recognized the potential of tourism to contribute to the country’s economic growth and implemented policies and programs to attract more foreign visitors.

Infrastructure development
One of the notable contributions of the Arroyo administration to tourism was the improvement of infrastructure in key tourist destinations. The government invested in building airports, seaports, roads, and bridges that made it easier for tourists to access various attractions in the country. Some of these projects include the rehabilitation of Boracay airport and the completion of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

Promotion and marketing
The Arroyo administration also launched several campaigns that aimed to promote Philippine tourism globally. One of these campaigns was “More Fun in the Philippines,” which showcased various tourist attractions, festivals, and cultural events across different regions in the country. The campaign successfully gained traction on social media platforms and generated buzz among travelers worldwide.

Ecotourism initiatives
Recognizing the importance of preserving natural resources while promoting tourism, the Arroyo administration initiated several ecotourism projects. These projects aimed to conserve biodiversity while providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. Some examples include whale shark watching in Donsol, Sorsogon, and birdwatching at Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tourism incentives
To encourage private sector participation in tourism development, the Arroyo administration provided various incentives such as tax holidays, duty-free privileges on importation of capital equipment, and streamlined bureaucratic processes for investment approvals. These incentives helped attract more investments from both domestic and foreign investors.

Overall, the Arroyo administration played a pivotal role in boosting Philippine tourism industry through infrastructure development, promotion and marketing initiatives, ecotourism programs, and tourism incentives. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for further growth in this sector and helped position the Philippines as a competitive tourism destination in the region.