FROM: DONALD SEVILLA
OUR TOURISM WOES
With the internet, digitalization and AI, travel is made much easier.
DIY travel is the trend into the future. Time is coming when travel arrangements may need not go through a travel agency anymore. The more apps we develop that provide ease for hotel bookings and airfares the less we become dependent on travel and tour operators.
Thus for the industry to sustain we must learn to adapt and evolve. While land tour operators may not be totally eradicated, their business will be limited and not in the way we were accustomed to.
We must come to accept that DIY is now the way to go.As times get tougher people are becoming budget-conscious. They just want value for money.
But with the bad press we have been getting, accumulated over time, we have to confront the facts.
No denials, no self- justification and no excuses.
The problems our tourism industry faces can only be solved by a whole of industry approach. Policy makers, stakeholders and the local communities involved must work hand in hand to dispel the negative publicity that hounds the business.
What’s happening now in Panglao was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. We had it so good, that we forgot the service and dedication required of such industry.We became greedy and profit-oriented that we took things for granted.
Meanwhile our Asian neighbors were busy developing their core assets and strengths. They prepared themselves for the onslaught of travelers by promoting value for money destinations.
While we rested on our laurels, boasting of the beauty of our beaches and other natural attractions, our neighbors were busy rectifying past mistakes.
They ended up on top while we slid to the bottom of the list.
That said, our present quandary is a wakeup call for everyone.To survive we must change our ways and adopt a creative mindset, not restrictive, not monopolistic and definitely not too profit-oriented.
For good things come to those who do good. Remember, repeat customers always make good business !