As I noted in my column yesterday, the tourism related websites of the Government of the Philippines are, unfortunately, in a mess. There are simply too many such websites, and each of them seems to be pulling potential tourists in a different direction. In addition to that, much of the information listed on these sites is outdated.
Is this important? Does it really matter much? Well, if you are a poor person in the Philippines (and there are plenty of them around), you better believe that it matters. For years, maybe for decades now, the Philippines has looked to tourism as an industry that could save the country, and pull it up to a higher standard of living.
Where else can the Philippines capitalize and improve the economy? It doesn’t look like the Philippines will become an Industrial power anytime in the foreseeable future. Most manufacturing that is leaving the first world is going to countries like China where labor is very cheap. Labor in the Philippines, while cheap by western standards, is quite expensive in comparison to many of it’s neighbors. Also, the labor laws in the Philippines are generally very worker-friendly. Because of this, it is unlikely that many foreign manufacturers will locate to the Philippines.
When it comes to agricultural production, at this point the Philippines is doing all it can to just keep up with local consumption. As a matter of fact, for almost a decade now, the Philippines has been forced to import rice and other basic commodities from Thailand in order to feed the population. So, it doesn’t look like the Philippines will become rich by exporting food and other agricultural products.
One area where the Philippines is indeed seeing some growth is in the services sector. Call centers, Business Process Outsourcing and such are making strides here. However, the strength of the Philippine Peso is beginning to have a negative impact on the Call Center industry here. Because the Peso is so strong these days, that means that it is getting more expensive for foreign businesses to locate here.
Tourism is the natural place to look in order to strengthen the Philippine economy. Let’s face it, the Philippines is a natural tourist haven, if only tourism were promoted in a better way! The Philippines has so many natural wonders that can attract tourists to come and visit. There is the beauty of the islands, and more than 7,000 of them to choose from! There are festivals somewhere in the country nearly every day of the year. There are many places where you can see indigenous people who are still living life in much the same way that their ancestors did centuries ago. There are true wonders that are almost unbelievable, like the Rice Terraces in Luzon.
So, with all these wonderful tourist destinations, why is the Philippines not a popular tourist spot? Well, I believe that the reason for this is that the Philippines, unfortunately, has a terrible image! When you mention the Philippines to people who have not been here before, they invariably ask about kidnapping. They hear that it is hot, polluted, dirty, crime ridden. The truth is, in my opinion, that many of these issues is way overblown!
- Hot? Well, yes, it is hot here. But instead of having people think of people sitting in lines at the airport sweating, why not promote images of people frolicking on the beaches, swimming in the beautiful waters? These are hot weather activities, yet enjoyable!
- Polluted, Dirty? There indeed are some polluted areas in the Philippines. However, if you get out of the major cities, you can really find some areas that are quite pristine. The majority of the islands are relatively unpolluted. Yes, in areas that get a lot of traffic there is plenty of trash that is thrown out along the roads and such. Nothing major, but things like coke cans, wrappers from snack food, or whatever. How about the Department of Tourism sponsoring a clean-up campaign? How about some re-training of people so that they learn to keep the area clean? It is not such a major problem that it can’t be turned around!
- Crime Ridden? Really, crime in the Philippines is not a huge concern. Violent crime is actually fairly low here, when compared to some other countries. For example, how many tourists get murdered here? Very few. How many tourists get kidnapped? Not many at all. The perception is that these things happen all the time, but it is just not the case. I would say that it has been a minimum of 5 years since there was a major case of a foreigner or tourist in the Philippine being kidnapped. I also have a high degree of certainty that more foreign tourists get killed in the USA than here in the Philippines. Honestly, I don’t remember any recent cases of a foreign tourist getting murdered here. Yes, there is some petty crime – pickpocketing and such, but that is true anywhere you go on earth.
Now, honestly, why isn’t the Philippines doing some self-promotion, advertising the positive sides of the place, in order to counter the negative opinions out there?
You know, it doesn’t even take a huge increase in tourism to start putting a few more clerks to work in hotels, to get more jobs for waiters and waitresses. How about tour guides that can show people around the islands. More tourists means that more taxi drivers are needed to carry them around, more tricycle drivers. How about some resurgence in the old horse drawn carriages (tartanillas)? These are the kinds of things that tourists love! I can see more rural areas where you might have a carabao pulling a wagon that tourists can ride in. That is the kind of thing that is unusual enough that people go home and tell their friends about! And, the more friends they tell, the more other people will come here, which means that more Filipinos will be at work! That also means more airline flights, so more pilots, more stewardesses, etc. It is a process that feeds upon itself!
For the good of the Filipino people, and the good of the country itself, the Department of Tourism needs to get busy! Spend some money to promote the place, it would be a good investment! Are there things in the Philippines that are lacking, or below standard? Yes, there sure are, but those are things that can be fixed! Certainly, the Philippines isn’t dragging too far behind Thailand, and Thailand has a lot more tourists than the Philippines does!
Hi Bob! I can say both good and bad things about the way Department of Tourism runs the whole tourism promotion. I was in the Philippine delegation for international sales mission and the effort starting with Sec. Gordon's leadership was good. With the precious secretary, the Philippine booth looked pathetic. But with Sec. Gordon we had fabulous booths like those of Thailand and Hawaii. We brought models, dancers and all the Filipino food we give away as tokens. The problem is usually the budget, lack of being proactive and looking at the promotions from a tourist's eyes. Yes, the websites need to be updated religiously. Even hotel and resort owners complain about the wrong information in their website. Also, some regional directors don't seem to know how to motivate each local government and to let people know how they will benefit so much if tourists come to their place.
Hi Cathy – I'm glad that you mentioned Sec. Gordon. I am a strong supporter of Dick Gordon and his efforts that he made when he was the Sec. of the DoT. He made many positive strides toward bringing more tourists to the Philippines! As you said, he participated in major International tourism events, had first class booths, and all the best of the islands to offer to the guests there. At the time when Dick Gordon was DoT Sec., the Philippines was advertising on TV, worldwide (the WowPhilippines campaign). All this seems to be gone now. The efforts of Senator Gordon did not pay off so much, but I believe that the reason is that his programs were not allowed to mature. These things take time and continuous promotion. Not something that you can run for a year or two then quit because it is not working. You might have to push hard for 10 years before seeing the results that you want, but in time things will turn around!
Yes, budgets are tight in the Philippines, I agree. However, you have to choose what programs will bear fruit for the Philippines, and stand behind those with the funding that is necessary. Let's face it, enough money is being wasted and stolen from Govt. coffers to make the Philippines a world class tourist destination!
Thanks for your comment, Cathy, as I know that you have been involved personally in tourism related businesses for quite some time. I appreciate your insight!
Bob, you hit the nail on the head. There IS alot of potential, but the tourism sector suffers from the problems, or perceptions, you listed. To these I would also add, from personal experience: A. many of the higher-end resorts are often seen to be poorer value than those in neighboring countries like Malaysia, and B. surprisingly poor customer service when making bookings (unresponded-to emails, phone calls not returned). These things need to be fixed at the grass-roots level.
In the European market, package deals to competing tourist destinations such as Thailand, Sri Lanka etc. are cheap and very popular. DOT needs to set a strategy either to compete directly in this crowded segment (i.e., on price), or to offer packages to appeal to higher-spending visitors. Apart from diving, there are many opportunities for outdoors activities (hiking, rafting, even jet-skiing and hang gliding) which can generate local income and jobs.
Hi chris – Very true! Everything you say just adds to the things that I am already thinking. The whole customer service thing is a problem when it comes to e-mails and such. When you actually get to the resort, the personal service is generally very good, but it's the pre-arrival time that is a problem. Even being able to make a booking can be a big hassle. Online reservation is almost unheard of.
Pricing is also a place where the Philippines suffers. Most of these other neighboring countries offer very attractive, even cheap accommodations, deep discounts and such. Those kinds of things are relatively rare here. Even from here in the Philippines, you can see travel ads in the Sunday paper where you can fly to Thailand, stay 2 or 3 days including hotel, airfare and such for $200 or so. Heck, here in the Philippines, you can't fly from Davao to Manila and stay a couple days for that price! Something is wrong there!
Maybe we should talk with local government and start an "Adopt a Highway" program like they have in the states for cleaning up garbage. As for tourisim, I think also part of the problem is the peso and it's ever increasing value. The central bank is stuck between a rock and a hard place should be interesting to see how they handle the situation. I can forsee a possible outcome being like the rapid peso deflation in the 90's when it went from 25:$1 to 44:$1 in a short time. It looks like the BSnP is pulling the same tricks again to get the peso to "Grow Stronger".
Hi Louis – I think your "Adopt a Highway" idea is a great one, and I had not thought of that. Instead, maybe an "Adopt a Barangay" program would be the way to go here!
Regarding the value of the Peso, you are the second person to say that (one was on yesterday's column). I have to disagree, though. While it may have some impact, I don't think it is very much. 2007 was a record year for tourist arrivals in the Philippines. When the Peso was at is weakest level (US$1:P56+), the tourist arrivals were lower than they are now. So, if it was a matter of the Peso being strong and holding down tourism, it would be fewer arrivals now instead of more. What do you think?
I would also like to suggest that every city should put up a tourist information center. Travelling around Australia, I observed that most places even the smallest town have their own tourist information center where tourists, local or foreign, can ask information. They give you maps and travel brochures for free. It's like a one stop shop.
It is not going to help that the airports in the Philippines were downgraded to level 2 country (one of 21 countries).
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID…
It also does not help that Cebu Pacific is currently not accepting US issued VISA cards (or American Express from anywhere) on their website. I also think the pricing for tourist accommodations is not fantastic. Although one can find low hotel prices, you really get what you pay for. There are not the fantastic deals of Thailand to be had here.
I am really surprised that tourism is not the number one concern here as it would bring in so much money as well as create jobs that would keep people home. As people have pointed out, countries with less natural resources have done it…there is no reason why the Philippines can't.
Hi Ringgay – I think that most of the bigger cities have such offices, but you are right, smaller towns should too. And the Tourism Offices in the bigger places need better informed personnel, and more up to date materials too.
Hi kikas-head – I was planning to write a column about the downgrading of NAIA to a Level 2 Facility. That was a real slap to the Philippines, and will keep the Philippines Airline Industry from growing in the future, unless the country is able to upgrade NAIA to it's former ranking. Each point that you mention is really on track, and should be addressed. In particular, the cost of hotels and other tourist accommodations is not in line with what can be found in other nearby countries.
Yes, something is wrong! We live in the Philippines and can take a nicer, cheaper vacation in Thailand than here in the Philippines! Last year we were in Thailand for three weeks for a conference and vacation. We booked easily in a very nice hotel in Chaing Rai for a very reasonable price ($45 per night) which included a nice buffet breakfast.
When we got back to Manila, the non-smoking room in the hotel we had booked online was not available, the room we got was not secure, the aircon was very noisy and although there was a bath tub, there was only tepid water. Oh, and did I mention it was the more expensive than Thailand?! Breakfast was included, but the food was cold and the bread dried up and served with margarine. The whole thing was lousy and we checked out two days early, only to find they had raised the price of the room from the original online price!
This kind of thing kills tourism. High prices for poorly maintained rooms, customer unfriendly policies (the staff are always friendly when they deliver the bad news), show that there is a 'milk cow' attitude towards tourism. 'Milk the visitors while they are here, who cares if they ever come back!'
Please understand that the Philippines is my adopted home country. I love the place! But let's be honest. While there is natural beauty here, there is also a lot of tacky ugliness; advertisements stuck to any and every flat surface, covering windows and dangling from things as well; trash piles along the roadsides; ugly abandoned buildings; ugly buildings still in use; towering billboards blocking the skylines; beggars sleeping in the parks; shredded Christmas decorations still around in July, etc. etc. Maybe some people find this quaint, but I don't. This kind of clutter and ugliness is distracting and embarrassing. It is not like this in Thailand. I looked and looked, trying to understand why it is so different, other than the prices and quality of food and hotels.
In my opinion, the Philippines has a long way to go before they can come anywhere near Thailand (and probably Malaysia) in regards to making it a place people want to come for vacation more than once, if they don't have family or a girl friend over here.
When contemplating a vacation in Asia, I would still seriously consider Thailand even though I have been there three times, have seen enough of their tourist stuff, don't need anymore couch pillows or silk items and the weather is not much different from hear unless you go far north. Why? Because it is nice there. The malls are quiet, the roads a clean and orderly, there is a lovely symmetry to their architecture and gardens, the food is reasonable and good, hotels clean and cheap, and it's easy to get there.
Hi Bob i think you should open a resort ! I think it would be a success ! 😆 anyway as you know i am in the process of booking a trip there in fact i have completed most of my iterneriy but also ran into not being able to pay for cebu pacific online so i had my fiance do that part i saw advertized air fare of any seat domestic for P8 any destination !! i'm like wow how can they do that? 20 cents ? so i tried to book and the P1350.00 tax and fuel surcharge is where they get ya still a good deal though and 55.00 US. per night at Montebello Villa Hotel is certainly a deal where i come from see ya in a few weeks !
Oh, and in Thailand, we can buy airline tickets and book pretty much any kind of housing we might want, online, using a credit card, with no problems.
Hi AmericanLola – I have to agree with everything you said regarding the differences between Thailand and the Philippines in regards to tourism. The thing is, most of these things can be fixed! The biggest hurdle will be to re-train the people in the Philippines to keep their place clean, don't litter, don't paste up political posters everywhere! That will take time, but other stuff can be done relatively quickly and easily, if only there is a will to do it! One thing you mentioned really struck a chord with me…. cold food. Most buffet style meals that you get here are stone cold. I don't care for it either. Last night, I ate at a resort here in Davao, sort of a party that I went to. All of the food served was completely cold! How hard is it to serve food hot, as it should be? Oh well… we have to learn to accept these things, or so we are told! 😆
Hi Tommy – I'll write a post soon about how they make money on those cheap airfares! You'll be surprised, it's not through the fuel charges and tax either! But, believe me, they make a ton of money on those P1, P8 or P99 airfares! I know that I recommended Monebello Villa to you, and I hope that it is still nice. I haven't been there in nearly 20 years, but it was quite a nice place when I stayed there before. I'll keep my fingers crossed!
Yeah, cold food. Why? They sell sterno cans at Macro, but they are a little pricey…
I don't like cold food, but I also worry about the bacteria growing in that cold/cooling food, and the warm/warming macaroni salads.
On a recent trip between Manila & Baguio the bus stopped for a break. I had to use the washroom. I didn't know that their was a different price for doing #1 or #2. When I came out to a crowd of 100 people the attendant came out yelling "that man defecated" & repeated several times. Another time in a Taxi the driver told my wife that most filipinas prefer Philippinos as they are better F—ers than caucasians. My friend here in Canada said he & his wife are going to Thailand this winter & wouldn't mind seeing the Philippines. I told him that if my wife was not a Filippina,I would not take her there. It is not a money issue!
I agree with all that you said, Bob. One recent death, though, was that Peace Corps Volunteer last year. Not a tourist, but her death certainly made international news.
bob. i have visited the philippines several times and i plan on several more visits before i am able to retier, one reason is because the people are so kind to me. the place reminds me of reading and hearing of how the u.s.a. was in the 1930 ,s. maybe its because im only mostly in the provences. but anu way i understand how tourisom affects the philippines. mostley for the good of the economy but not so good sometimes for the newcomers , with the inflamation. any way thank you
The Philippines has a long way to go before it ever approaches Thailand and Malaysia tourist level which is close to 14-15 million each (Malaysia gets many from Singapore). First if you arrive in Manila, you most likely will go to NAIA one which is in very poor condition (when will NAIA 3 ever open). Taxi drivers and traffic is a big hassle. There are not enough hotels or at least budget hotels and many are in need of improvements. There are not enough resort areas (mainly Boracay and Panglao) when there are so many other areas which are just as great and if promoted and easier to travel to could increase tourism a lot. These other countries also spend a lot more money on advertising and promotion. You will see number or tourists increase in the PI but it is missing out on the potential it could create for the economy unlike Thailand and Malaysia.
Hi Bob,
I will soon be traveling to the Philippines, but as AmericanLola said it is because I have a girl friend there. I would not have ever imagined going there otherwise. All I have ever heard is that it is a dirty crime ridden country. I have never seen a tourist advertisement for the Philippines and when I started researching the country for a trip, I was greeted by a travel advisory from the American Embassy. That is gone now, a friend has been there and loved it, and I have found LiP and several other web sites that have given me much needed information (that I should have been able to find on the Philippine tourist web site). From everything I am hearing the Philippines is a diamond in the rough, with the biggest draw being the people and the coastline. I am considering retirement there because even with the strong peso it is still much cheaper than the US. That will be in about 10 years or so. Hope you all have it cleaned up by then. 😀
Hi Bob, since many years regarding this topic, my opinion is
. Before Rose was even promoting the Philippines during the International Tourism Fair in Berlin. We wondered, why more interested people remained staying at the stalls of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia. Imagine, this was during the 80s and 90s. Nothing changed up to today.
Hi AmericanLola – Yep, the cold food just leaves something to be desired! And the food poisoning issues keep showing up in the news too!
Hi Guy – Oh my… those are certainly not good experiences! Talk about an insult! 😥
Hi Tom – Yes, there was a peace corp worker who was killed last year. I thought of her while I wrote this, but I was talking more in the lines of tourists. Even if she (I recall that her name was Julie Campbell, I think) is counted, the rate of such crimes against foreigners here is quite low.
Hi Jerry – Thanks for sharing your comment.
Hi Neil Hect – Here in the Davao area there are lots of resorts, the king of them being The Pearl Farm on Samal Island. It really is a world class resort. But, you are correct in your evaluation.
Hi Richardfrom GA – It's funny how things come up in the comments. Both you and AmericanLola mentioned about people coming here because of Girlfriends or Wives… I have a column coming tomorrow that talks about that, and I wrote it before this one was even published! You know what… the US Travel Advisory is still in effect, it has not been lifted, at least in the case of Mindanao. Philippines, a diamond in the rough? Well… yes.. but VERY rough! 😆
Hi Klaus – No changes since the 80's. Likely, there will be no changes within our lifetimes. Don't you think? And, imagine, the prosperity that tourism could bring is really within reach!
Seems not that long ago they were lopping tourists heads off,but say something disrespectful to them you get deported or thrown in jail. Nothing like a level playing field. Rather ungreatful hosts I must say.
i haven't read most of the comments, so maybe this was already mentioned. the country is missing on the tourist backpacker market. everyone keeps aiming towards the high-end market (with mixed results).
that lower budget demographic is young, mobile and will come back with fatter wallets as they age. plus, word of mouth in blogs and the net spreads fast in this group.
hiking, surfing, climbing. these are markets that can be advertised without much expense (websites, blogs, forums) and minimal upgrades in accommodations.
btw, bob, nice virtual earner ad. the art speaks to me 😉
I would agree with Macky that nowadays, a plethora of blogs coming from the Philippines (including this one) are doing its share of promoting the Philippines with pictures and essays about the wonderful sites and tourist spots (while DOT is doing it oh so poorly).
One thing that I would really like to see accomplished: NAIA airport (the original terminal especially) should really be upgraded, if not revamped and reconstructed from scratch (if really is possible and if there is some budget, but I really doubt). The airport is the main gateway and the initial destination that other nationalities would see (and start to get the impression of the things they'll encounter in the Philippines). Every time I return back home and fly back here to work, I always dread and heave a sigh at the deplorable state of our airport – becoming dirty, dingy, and with basic facilities such as trollies rusty and almost unusable.
Macky has a good point! There is very little advertising or promotion for the younger, adventure traveler on a tight budget. Most other countries has a network of low cost, clean hostels catering to such travellers.
Airports and budgets: why are great gobs of money being poured into a new international airport here in CDO when we have an airport that can be easily upgraded, and so much needs to be done to NAIA?
By the way, I am freely expressing my opinions on this topic in hopes that some one from the DOT will read these posts we have here and take something (anything!!) and run with it. I would dearly love to see the Philippines do better in every way.
As much as I agree that tourism is the way to go, I would hope from a selfish point of view that it doesn't get like other countries whereby every 2nd shop is selling the same boring tours. I just returned from 10 days in Vietnam and it was OTT with backpackers. This in turn attracts more beggars and hawkers of every description to the point that you can't walk 20 yards without someone hassling you.
I am flying to Mindanao tomorrow morning to have a look around there, I guess it will be much better than Saigon etc…. hopefully anyway.
BTW I sent 3 emails to the hotel in Mindanao to make a reservation….no reply… I had to phone to get a room.
When I emailed hotels in Vietnam they were replying in a couple of hours… big difference in service.
Hi Bob,same problem here as #26 sent e-mail Sunday to the hotel still waiting a reply,been the same every trip.have to send my honey to sort it out,but when I do get there the service and cleanliness has been wonderful.So cant complain really,it would not be the Philippines if every thing ran smooth. 😀
Hi Bob Its like the old saying If you build it they will come. Its not just the goverment that has to change, also the resort hotel industry. I read a comment from a disgrunted blogger that said ( with cockroaches on the ceiling and rats under the bed no wonder tourists are disapponited ) and this place was not cheap. Sure people are poor some clean-up would be nice, but look at Mexico there are a lot of poor people there yet they a booming tourist industry. Acapulco for one now seems to be having a real drug problem, on the news people being shot on the street ,kidnapings, criminal activity is running rampant. Yet tourists still go there WHY? Could it be they have class resorts all over Mexico, easy bookings, great packages etc? Where I live I can go by any travel agency and I never see anything promoting the Philippines Can things change? Only if attitudes do.
My "asawa to be" went to book a flight from Davao to Manila return. She gave me the price which was more than double the price given online and I told her to go back and get her money back . . . . which thankfully she was able to do. I went to the travel agents here in New Zealand and then booked that same return flight on Cebu Pacific Air cheaper than what she could get it for in the Philippines AND on top of that cheaper than the price given on the Cebu Pacific Air website. Even the travel agent was amazed that he could sell me tickets cheaper than the price on the web.
But that takes the cake when I can buy tickets in another country cheaper than the price given to a resident of that country can purchase them.
Hi Macky – You are completely right about the backpacker market! It is totally ignored. You know, in the 8 years that I have lived here, I have come across some backpackers only one time. They had been traveling in Indonesia and caught a boat to GenSan. Traveling like that in the Philippines could be a blast, and like you say it is easily and cheaply promoted!
Hi Jio – Hey, long time no see! I hope you are doing well. Yeah, the airport situation in Manila needs some attention. Like you say, it is the first impression, and it should be a good first impression.
Hi AmericanLola – Yep, I have been hearing about the new airport in CdO. When will that be ready for use?
Hi gerry – e-mails? What's that? 😆
Hi john.j. – You guys keep mentioning about e-mails…. what is this, the 21st Century? 😆
Hi steven john – Yeah, the comparison between Mexico and the Philippines doesn't make the Philippines look very good. Mexico has become very mature when it comes to marketing travel packages, even ahead of Thailand most likely. The Philippines should research the travel industries of Mexico and Thailand to learn a bit. I also agree with you that it is not only the government who needs to do some catching up. But, the government can be out front pulling the other players in the travel market behind them.
Hi Richard – Wow! That, indeed, is shocking! 😮
I have a feeling that the government made it a priority first, and then things happened in Thailand and Mexico. I think they must have overall standards and guidelines which they subsidize and enforce. What if the government had price guidelines which governed what a hotel could use based on certain standards, and DOT inspectors who qualified or disqualified such places? What if the DOT had a whole IT department which send people to hotels and resorts, setting them up with an easy to find, easy to use websites and a secure payment set up? Because of the way things work in Thailand (the system seems pretty uniform) I am guessing this is the sort of thing the government has done to make tourism work.
Hi Bob – Interesting post. As they say, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. You are right about this topic, of course, but this should be self-evident. When your country is relatively poor in natural resources and an established manufacturing sector, but is otherwise a tropical paradise, you would think some bells would go off in some government officials head at some point. I guess it is hard to see the gold-mine you just fell into as anything other than a dangerous pit when you aren't paying attention. Maybe you can catch the eye with the powers-that-be and they will realize the important opportunity that is being missed here. I'm sure you've increased tourism in Davao with this site!
Hi AmericanLola – I agree with you almost completely. Our only difference is that I don't like the Govt stepping in and mandating prices. That should be up to the person who put his money into the project.
Hi RichardInSC – Only one correction on your comment…. the Philippines is not poor in natural resources! Mining is a huge industry here – lots of minerals and precious metals too. The Philippines is resource rich, but somehow has not been able to turn that into prosperity. Well… probably it has created prosperity for the folks in the right place in society, but not for the common man.
Hi Bob – Shows what I know. Well, then then let me correct that as follows: "Poor in the ability to make the most of natural resources".
Hi RichardInSC – Exactly! 😆
Ordinarily, I don't like government mandated pricing, but I am inclined to think it is done in Thailand, or has been done in the past. This would be to counter the 'milk the tourist' mentality and give hotels the incentive to upgrade and maintain their properties and services. Right now, it is only competition, not in the good, free enterprise sense, but the 'The hotel down the street raised their prices, so will we!' regardless of quality or services.
There isn't enough tourism for the market to weed out the gougers and reward the ones who give good service and accommodation for your money. Tourist who have a bad experience just don't come back. something has to happen that will insure that the first experience of tourists is a good one.
I live here and we sometimes have to go and stay in Manila. I have a list of hotels where we will never stay again… We are not looking for luxury, we are looking for a clean, quiet economical place to stay where things work like they should. Is that too much to ask?
Hi AmericanLola – I hear you, and can see what you are saying along the lines of pricing. You know, after reading what you wrote, perhaps there is a role for this site to play in the whole saga about hotels. It won't help all tourists, but at least we can help ourselves and our readers. If we set up a page where we can give a list of recommended hotels, and also a list of hotels to avoid, based on personal experiences, it could be helpful. As any readers visit different hotels around the country, they can give us reports about how they would rate the place. It's something to think about.
Hi macky – oh, I forgot…. I thought you'd like that artwork on the Virtual Earner ad! 😆 For those who don't know… Macky drew that picture of me that is on the ad!
That is a really good idea! Something along the lines of the ratings charts used by Hotels.com, or Asiarooms, with a place for additional comments would be great! Got someone good at making internet web forms? 🙂
Hi AmericanLola – Well… right now my web development staff is ME! Ha ha… my developer quit his job shortly after finishing this site, and so far I have not replaced him. Maybe I'll start looking soon! 😆
Why the tourists is important in a country? 🙄
One reason why i liked going to the Philippines becuase it was off the beaten track and the fact that there is not to many tourists. Not to many tourists has its good side too. Although i would say it has changed since i went there 1st 8 years ago.
4 years ago use to go over to Samal and never hardly saw another foreigner but these days on Paradise you can go there and see many. So i think Davao has had an increase in tourism or maybe an increase in Aliens living there? Another downside of having a healthy tourist industry is that prices go up. I have noticed Paradise Beach prices rising up and up over the years and it also prices it off the map for locals.
One reason why UK tourist prefer Thailand to the Philippines also is that you can get a direct flight. The Philippines is that few hours longer and has to have a connecting flight in the Middle East or in Singapore/HK/Malaysia.
Hi Lee Ling Faw – Well, in my opinion tourism is important because it can bring a lot of jobs for Filipinos. Your opinion may vary.
Hi Graham – Haha… over on Samal these days, there is so much of the land and homes that is owned by foreigners with Filipino spouses! It certainly has changed a lot! 😆
Hi Bob – Fresh back from the Phils. Have to comment regarding the downgrading to category 2 (comments #8 & #9).
Went through NAIA Centennial terminal (PAL terminal) last Wednesday and have experienced a possible response to the downgrading: an annoying extra security check at your flight's gate. 🙄
First, a passenger's carry-ons are again thoroughly inspected (complete with questioning about nearly every item in the carry-on – all items are handled) and turned over to the security officer to hold.
Next, a passenger's shoes are removed and handed over to another security officer (no inspection of shoes – it's similar to how kids put their shoes in the pukas at McDonald's playlands).
Then, it's through another metal detector followed by a complete wanding of the body.
Once cleared, you retrieve your shoes (you can't get them yourself – the "shoe monitor" has to give them back), then retireve your carry-on items (no monitoring here – you can take all you can grab without security caring!). 😯
Saw one couple pulled out of the "secure" passenger area and made to repeat this security check (placed at the end of the line, of course) because they were talking to others outside the "secure" area and made movements with their hands and arms (normal body language) that extended outside the "secure" area (that is, over the barrier belt). Don't think the Philippines will be a return destination for that couple (their English had an Aussie accent, as well as their selection of a few "choice" words).
All above is mostly tongue in cheek – I've been through much worse security checks elsewhere, and am too easy-going to complain! It's just a fun observation! 😆
Hi Paul – Perhaps that is a response to the downgrading, but I don't think so. It is not the airport security that really brought on the downgrading, but other things. For example, the testing of pilots on new procedures. Follow up training on engineers who do aircraft maintenance and those kind of things. It certainly is an interesting story, though! Thanks for sharing!
Nice site and really interesting. I am one of those young people who are highly concerned about Philippines in all aspects. I keep researching and I read this blog from yahoo answers and i think Philippines has lots of potentials. We really have to take actions now to keep our country more better.
Philippines.
> The monsoon rains does not pour as of now (July).
> The Philippines is way more varied, and its' spectacular landscape has been compared to New Zealand and Costa Rica, which are eco-toruism destinations.
> Boracay in the Philippines has been voted the best beach in the entire Eastern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, and Africa).
> Nightlife in Asia is the best in Philippines, because it is liberal in the fullest sense of the word, being the only country in Asia whose culture is classified as Western.
> Since the Philippines has been greatly Americanized and Hispanicized, it is also the one country in Asia which stands out and enjoys a fusion of Asian, Pacific Islander, European, American, and Latin cultures. It is also highly Christianized, so culture is fairly similar with the West.
> Manila is the only Latin-Asian city in the world.
> Quite understandably, the Philippines also is the most heterogenous of all Asia's countries – all races are represented, and Filipinos, being a mixed combination of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Caucasian, has the HIGHEST number of Miss International contestants who have won – sharing it with Venezuela.
> In terms of destination, the Philippines has 7,100 varied islands to choose from.
> Language wise, the Philippines is the third largest English speaking nation in the world.
The Philippines represents the whole world (and the solar system) through its various sceneries:
1. Ibiza, Spain = Punta Fuego, Batangas province
2. Ko Phi Phi, Thailand = Bacuit archipelago, Palawan province
3. Malacca, Malaysia = Marawi, Lanao del Sur province
4. Scottish Highlands = Batanes archipelago
5. Sahara desert = Laoag sand dunes, Ilocos Norte province
6. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, USA = Callao Caves, Cagayan province
7. Appalachian mountain towns = Baguio City
8. Himalayas = Cordillera mountains
9. Texas Sandbanks = Bolinao, Pangasinan province
10. Maldives = Hundred islands, Pangasinan province
11. Napa Valley, CA = Central Plains of Luzon
12. Moonscapes = Mount Pinatubo slopes, Pampanga province
13. Cape Town, South Africa = Subic Bay Freeport Zone
14.Pompeii, Italy = Submerged towns of Batangas province, now underneath Taal Lake, near Taal VOlcano (the smallest active volcano in the world and a natural spa is currently in the making)/
15. Paris = Greenbelt
16. Sydney = Manila
17. Tokyo or Hong Kong = Makati City
18. Manhattan = Fort Bonifacio Global City
19. Berlin = Eastwood City
20. Switzerland and Alpine slopes = San Mateo, RIzal province
21. Tonle Sap, Cambodia = Taytay, Rizal province; La Mesa Watershed
22. Old European cities = Intramuros, Manila
23. Monaco = Bay City (under construction)
24. Jagged Micronesian and Polynesian coasts = Caramoan peninsula, Camarines Sur province
25. Nauru = Polillio group of islands, Quezon province
26. China / Kowloon, Hong Kong = Chinatown in Manila
27. Lake Titicaca, Peru = Lake Caliraya, Laguna province
28. Alpine foothills in Italy = Mount Bulusan
29. Best beach in the whole world according to many observers = Boracay
30. Underdeveloped Boracay = Malapascua island, Cebu
31. Bali = Mactan Island, near Cebu City
32. Hawaii = Siargao island, Surigao del Norte province / Baler, Aurora province
33. Venice, Asian-style = Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi province
34. Papua New Guinea highlands = Southern Palawan islands
35. Tropical paradise = Amanpulo island, Palawan (voted the best tropical paradise in the world).
36. Bora-Bora, French Polynesia = Coron islands, Palawan province
37. Pacific Islands = Kalayaan (Spratly) islands
Needless to say, the Philippines also has the longest discontinuous coastline in the world, the best reefs, the best diving and surfing spots, great biking routes, a fishing haven, and great cities.
Only in the Philippines will you find a nice mixture of the East and West, both in the ancestry and culture of the people. It also has the largest number of Eurasians and Amerasians in the world today. Filipinos also have a known reputation to be the most hospitable in Asia.
Not only that, since the Philippines is a well-kept travel spot, only those who venture will discover the 7,107 tropical paradise that millions of visitors visit in secrecy to discover the greatest and most beautiful country in the world.
Its' cities are considered as world cities, and are at par with Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Singapore, and are rated way more higher than Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Manila, Philippines is also considered the Dining and Shopping Capital of Asia due to its numerous restaurants and shopping malls available. Lots of observers reckon that the skyline of Manila skyscrapers is way more impressive than that of Los Angeles.
Good luck to your trip to the Philippine Islands, the bridge between the East and West! ; )
Also my friend developed this site http://www.sikatangpinoy.com – site promoting all good things happening in the Philippines by the filipino people. Cheers..
Hi concerned citizen – Wow! You certainly have a lot to share! Thanks for leaving your comment.
I could identify with all of the comments above, having started a tourism business four years ago after retirement. However, comments #47 by concerned citizen floored me with the number of places (37), the Philippines is being compared to. It keeps me thinking what will be a tourist spot in the world, Marinduque can be compared to. Right now, I could say, ARUBA, CANCUN and Hawaii. I have been to the 3 vacation spots in my younger days, but of course Marinduque is still numero uno in my heart. Cheers to all!
Hi David B Katague – You have a good opportunity at your place – try to set up a website where people can book online, pay by credit card, etc. It's really not hard to set up, and that is the number one thing that people complain about regarding traveling to the Philippines! Give it a shot!
Excellent idea Bob, But I have no idea where to start. Your help will be appreciated..
Hi David B Katague – I would recommend that you start by studying what other such places are doing in other countries. Unfortunately, for the Philippines, I always hear from people how hard it is to be able to visit here, because they can't make reservations on line and such. Look at places similar to yours in other locations, see how they are doing it, and pattern yourself after those who have been successful. When the time comes, you can hire some local web developers for quite a low price, and they can build you a world class site that will rival those that you pattern after!
Good luck!
Thanks for your help. I just find out, the next resort near me has on line reservation already, but I have not check if it works properly. My last guests from France reserved via E-mail and deposit the first day rent via bank to bank transfer. Again, this is cumbersome and takes time.
I have a favor to ask. I want your honest opinion regarding my website, http://www.chateaudumer.com Some say its ok, others say its too verbose and pictures are not labeled.. I want your opinion, thanks in advance. Hope your wrist is feeling better. Mine is also starting to ache, not by blogging, but playing computer games.. Have a good day..
Hi David B Katague – I think it is important to have a site where people can pay by credit card right on the site. Make it easy for them to visit you! 😆
I will have a look at your site, and I will e-mail you privately with my thoughts.
Bob, Thanks a million for your critique. It is very useful for the improvement of my website. I plan on hiring a professional web designer there in PI. Can you recommend one in Manila. Have a good day!
Hi David B Katague – Happy to help out, and I wish you great luck with the site! I am sorry, I don't really know any Manila based developers, my experiences have been with working with people down south in Davao. I am sure that if you ask around, though, you can get some good recommendations.
The Philippines is a 3rd world country- first and foremost- so don't expect any first world super fancy resorts like they have in the USA, Mexico, Australia, Canada, Japan, France, etc. Second tourism is good only if the Filipinos for the most part own the profit- not foreigners catering to foreigners- as I see with these Koreans, etc. Third, development with sustainabilty and eco- mind is needed- not more golf courses and over the top private seaside resorts. The land and sea belong to the Filipino farmers and fishermen- not foreigners.- they are needed for agriculture and fishing. If you don't like the Philippines, get the hell out asap. I know I wont.
Hi eric- If you were to spend even 30 minutes reading the things I have written on this site, there is no way that you could think that I don't like the Philippines.
The Philippines has some great resorts, I never said that it doesn't. The problem is in the way that the government handles tourism, lack of ability to book hotels and resorts and such.
I never compared the Philippines to USA, Mexico Australia, etc. Just look across the South China Sea at Thailand and you will see what the Philippines needs to do.
thank you.. thats a wonderfuL idea..
can you heLp me in my teRm paper.'
my topic is abouT the importance of tourism.'
but the weB has lots and lots of websites about tourism
bUt i cant geT a single information''
excepT yours.'
HELLP.? 😀
mine too (:(
Hi Bob I agree that there is a huge need of promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination.
Like Caramoan it´s deffenitly a pearl that before was hidden for most people but now starting to gain fame & free promotion thanks to Koh Lanta.
I think people like you are doing Philippines a huge favor when pointing things out as you do for eweryone intrested to read keep up that good work Bob and promote Philippines to the world.
Best Regards
Arild Sandberg
you know what i tha bad things of Philippines tourism? so, i want to know you ideas about this, how can you solve this problem???