Rodrigo Duterte
RODRIGO Duterte, the strongman of Davao whom Filipinos voted in as their new president on Monday’s election, may well foster a more robust tourism landscape in the Philippines, said those in the travel trade.
“He has a very good track record for promoting security, peace and order in Davao City. That’s very important for tourism and if he can bring that to the entire country, then it will positively impact inbound tourism,” said Edwin L Villanueva, general manager, Light Miles Travel.
Duterte, who had been Davao’s mayor for a long time, converted the city from one laden with drugs and killings into one that is now clean, safe and secure.
Concurring, Avelino Zapanta, president and CEO, Seair, said: “His avowed fight against criminality augurs well for tourism. It should add to tourists’ confidence in the peace and order of the country.”
Michelle Victoria, president, Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), said that Duterte was already “very supportive” of tourism and PTAA events even before his candidacy, and that “it would be very good for the industry if Duterte can make the Philippines safer”.
However, she notes that it’s too early to tell what Duterte’s presidency will mean for tourism. Angel Ramos Bognot, president and managing director, Afro Asian Travel and Tours, agrees that it is still early days.
“But when it comes to the culture of discipline that he is known for, it will help tourism,” said Ramos Bognot, pointing out how millennials who have recently entered the tourism industry lack the culture of discipline and Filipino hospitality.
Others interviewed say they hope Duterte will address daily issues Filipinos face that are also affecting tourists’ experiences, such as traffic and airport congestion, petty crime and rail faults.
Duterte’s plan for tourism is not yet known, but speculations indicate that he wants a woman to replace current tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.
Meanwhile, Cynthia Ruano, president of the Davao Association of Tour Operators, noted that Duterte’s economic agenda, revealed yesterday, included plans to advance transportation infrastructure, reducing crime and corruption and promoting tourism in rural areas.