‘Travel madness’ at the mall
The domestic travel market expanded last year by over 72 percent, reaching P2.67 trillion, while inbound tourism surged by 87 percent to a record P6.97 billion. “These figures showcase the vitality and resilience of tourism,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the main speaker in the recent Travel Madness Expo 2024 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.
Tourism posted the highest contribution to the economy, achieving the highest growth rate of 8.6 percent. This was, Frasco said, “notwithstanding the pandemic and various other calamities. We continue to fulfill the promise to provide millions of jobs for fellow Filipinos, to achieve unity and experience love of country.”
During the first half of 2024, Philippine tourism registered an increase of 32.3 percent, or P80 billion, compared to the same period last year. “We have provided 6.21 million jobs to fellow Filipinos,” she said. “This shows the power of tourism to provide jobs, unite and change lives.”
Frasco added, “We aim for new heights and a comparative edge in the global tourism market.”
Frasco led a phalanx of VIPs from the government and private sector who attended the Travel Madness Expo.
Indeed, the booths filled the entire space of the big convention center, with exhibits from hotels, resorts, Philippine as well as international airlines, government and private sector organizations, tourism-related agencies and top Philippine destinations (“I Love Coron”).
A standout was the booth of the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, with its giant images of the animal kingdom and fields laden with fruits. The Inquirer had its own exhibit, with working staff unaware that they were being photographed.“Improving the transport system is crucial, and our railway projects are intended to address Metro Manila’s infamous traffic,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. He added an interesting footnote: “Tourists can now visit Fort Santiago by bike, using bike lanes.” —CONTRIBUTED INQ
