By;DONALD SEVILLA
A LONG HARD ĹOOK AT OURSELVES
We take pride in our tourism industry and our wonderful attractions that bring
visitors to our shores. Yet we are sensitive to criticism and just about anything that
may hurt and affect it. We do not want negative publicity to destroy our image as a
beautiful and top tourist destination.
But for all the wonderful things we take pride in, we must take a long hard look at
ourselves. The recent reuploaded video bý an Australian travel blogger upon his
arrival at the Bohol-Panģlao International Airport that caused quite a stir, should
get us thinking deeper and far ahead.
Regardless of whether the question asked of him, was “You are rich?” or “You
arranģed?” the message is clear and resounding. We are indeed a pricey
destination no matter how vigorously we try to justify it.
For simple comparison, a ticket on a fastferry to the neighboring island of Cebu,
with a travel time of approximately 2 hours costs about Php800 at its cheapest
without yet the mandated discount by law of 20% for seniors, students and PWĎs
(persons w/ disàbility).
From the airport to the beaches of Panglao takes an average of 10-15 minutes
travel, much shorter if one is headed towards nearby Alona Beach which is
literally a walking distance away.
Come to think of it. We are not the only ones catering to tòùrists and a must-visit
destination. If you have been to Palawan, you can truly apprèciate thèir well-
organized and systematic tourist service ìnfrastructure in place. So also ďoès
Boracay and we have a lot to learn from them on how to handle huge crowds.
Unlike us here, in advanced Western countries, there are no barkers or
canvassers to greet you upon arŕival . The airport gives travelers the first
impression of the place they are going to visit and we miserably fail in this regard.
While we have tourist help desks or counters, these are largely undermanned and
often, staff are not well-trained. Unfortunately canvassers take over operations as
they jostle with one another to catch a hapless customer.
Competition is fierce that landing a customer becomes a pesky business. How
many times have we seen posters advertising guided tours and establishments
literally shoved upon visitors’ faces in a mad scramble to get their attention ?
Isn’t this annoying anď irritating after a long, weary flight tö feel being swooped
down by vultures for the kill ? This is exactly the feeling one gets when things are
not organized and systematic on the ground.
Rather than feel relaxed and comfortable, looking forward to a pleasant vacation,
one is stressed the moment he sets foot outside the terminal doors.
Is this something we must be proud of? No.
Is this something we must correct? Definitely, yes.
Is this something we should be mad about when people bring it to our attention?
No.
The modern world is wired and connected and good news can spread widely. But
bad news travels even faster and becomes viral in an instant.
Yet, we still have a lot to learn and improve upon. And unless we come to terms
with ourselves, we cannot level up. Criticism and complaints should be construed
to make things better not for us to be bitter about !
Thank you.Got it.Cool.