DoT: Tourism to increase share in economy

With industry targets within reach, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez expects the tourism sector's share in the economy to increase by the end of the Aquino administration. "The contribution of tourism to GDP [gross domestic product] at a little below 7 percent [currently] will be at 11 percent of GDP by 2016," Jimenez told reporters during the Philippine Economic Briefing on Wednesday. "Domestic travel will still account for bulk of tourism revenues," he added. The tourism chief noted that domestic travel "surpassed everyone's expectations" after hitting 37.5 million last year, already above the government's goal of 35.5 million local tourists by 2016. Jimenez also noted that foreign arrivals also surpassed the 4-million mark in 2012. "The new target approved by President Aquino is around 44 million for domestic travel," he said. The government wants foreign arrivals to reach 10 million by 2016. Jimenez, however, noted the need for more tourism infrastructure as well as participation of local governments to achieve the country's tourism plan. "The development of LGU [local government unit] support of tourism development plans will determine the success or failure of the Philippine tourism plan," he said. "We are working very closely with all the other departments of the government to make sure that the demand we create is met with resources," Jimenez said. — BM, GMA News