Pinayuhan ni Albay Representative Joey Salceda na mag-move on na sa isyu ng tourism video campaign ng Department of Tourism (DOT) at pumulot ng aral mula sa mga nangyari.
Mungkahi pa nito na magsagawa ng nationwide consultation kasama ang tourism stakeholders para sa totoong rebranding ng tourism sector.
Aniya, ganito ang konsepto ng ‘Sulong Pilipinas’ noong Duterte administration kung saan nag-ikot at inalam ang pulso ng mga Pilipino hinggil sa iba’t ibang isyu sa iba’t ibang sektor gaya ng agrikultura at edukasyon.
“We used to do that a lot in the past. We did ‘Sulong Pilipinas’ for the general direction of the country’s government. That shot off to ‘Sulong Agricultura’ and ‘Sulong Edukasyon,’ where government agencies would consult their stakeholders closely and seriously. At the end of each consultation, you had actionable points that were submitted to the President to be given the highest priority. That’s how Dutertenomics was born. That’s where Build, Build, Build came from. Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, Ease of Doing Business Act, Rice Tariffication, the Universal Health Care Law – all came from those consultations,” paliwanag ni Salceda.
Kaya naman suhestyon ng mambabatas, gumawa rin ng ‘Sulong Turismo’ consultation tungkol sa Attractions, Accessibility, Amenities, Available Packages, Activities, at Ancillary Services ng turismo sa bansa, kasama na rin ang Airport at Airlines lalo at ang bentahe ng ibang mga bansa aniya ang magaganda at episyente nilang paliparan.
Mahalaga aniya ito dahil na rin sa binago ng pandemya ang global tourism sector.
“If the experience doesn’t change, the impression will not change. So, beyond rebranding, we need to make genuine improvements in key areas in the sector. Remember, the pandemic reset the whole global tourism sector… A promising slogan without real improvements in the fundamentals is a false pretense. As a slogan, “Love the Philippines” is demanding enough on a foreign tourist’s first date with this country. Let’s at least give them reasons to do so,” sabi pa ni Salceda. | ulat ni Kathleen Jean Forbes