This would be a definite surprise among travel junkies around the world.

From the editorial in Manila Times dated March 6, 2008:

 

HERE’S good news for a change. The Philippines has advanced by five rungs in world tourism, according to the World Economic Forum, ranking 81st among 130 countries surveyed.

The WEF’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2008 said Manila was 86th among 124 countries polled last year. The report ranked the most attractive environments for the travel and tourism industry, factoring in government policy, regulations, environmental sustainability, safety and security, health and hygiene and the priority given to tourism.

Tourism is a big moneymaker for the Philippines. The WEF estimated that our hospitality industry last year amounted to $5.57 billion, reflecting a 4.4- percent annual growth with an employment of about 1.3 million people. Our report yesterday said travel and tourism contributed about $12.3 billion to the national economy.

Tourism also boosts the national image. It reflects foreign confidence in our stability, infrastructure and sense of hospitality. Travel is a big come-on for investments since businessmen are part of the tourist crowd and their impressions count much for investment decisions.

Like housing, tourism has wide multiplier effect, boosting the travel (ships, airlines, bus lines) industry, the accommodations (hotels, condotels, tourist inns) business, sports and entertainment, restaurants, handicraft, historical and cultural centers and a wide constellation of local attractions.

(See more after the jump.)

See the FULL Story.

Advertise Your Business At CebuAsia.com