BY:DONALD SEVILLA
OUR TOURISM WOES
Industry players aver that the problems hounding our tourism sector are not unique to us. Accordingly it is a worldwide phenomenon.
But what this presents, is a scary picture of the future of a volatile industry. If indeed true, we should be wary because this means that people travelling are becoming less in numbers.
With a wide range of destinations to choose from and a shrinking market, things have become more competitive.
Daunted by our notorious branding as an expensive destination, we become less attractive to tourists.
Our industry practices over time have brought us to where we are now. We have priced ourselves out of the competition.
Ask any well-travelled fellow and without hesitation he can say that Bohol is more expensive than our Asian neighbors .
Tourists are flocking in droves to Vietnam and Japan but not to the Philippines. Worse we have seen and felt the numbers drop here in Bohol.
While we may rant about it, we have been killing the business softly with our bad practices over time. Food, transpo and hotel accomodations here are practically pricey compared to other places abroad.
Yet what we can offer, others can offer too .We cannot just rest on our laurels and take pride in our awards and recognition as a beautiful destination.
While true that we are rich in natural beauty and blessed to have them, it is not enough to bring home the ” bacon”.
The clincher is in our ” golden reputation” where most everything is expensive. Confronted with this reality it is no wonder that Bohol is losing out.
So what can we do? With a strong and brilliant leadership to steer us out of this rut, we can get back on track.
Government plays a key role in promoting our tourism industry and bringing it back to life.
But are our leaders capable?Are they competent to know what they should be doing?
Governance and tourism are not all about politics and entertaining the people.It is not all about basketball or sports tournaments and concerts that keep the masses busy.
It is serious business and much more.
Are we facing the onset of the twilight years of a waning industry?