The Philippines has successfully hosted its first ever World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit. The conference, themed ”Rediscovering Travel,” took place from April 20-22 in Pasay City. One of the key topics of discussion during the conference was how to rebuild trust in the travel industry in the wake of the pandemic.
The Philippines has successfully hosted the world’s most prestigious tourism congress for over 1,000 delegates from over 50 countries. Decision-makers from government tourism delegations attended, as well as media and representatives from airlines, travel agencies, hotels, transportation, global distribution systems, entertainment, destinations, and more. 10,000 also participated virtually at the annual event, which was suspended during the pandemic.
New challenges were raised during the panel discussions, including how to rebuild trust in the travel industry in the wake of the pandemic. How to handle travelers' changing expectations about sustainability and regenerative tourism that leaves a positive impact on the local community, as well as the changing travel patterns of the younger generations with a digital focus were other topical topics.
The event was spearheaded by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) under the leadership of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulu-Puyat. She expressed optimism about the country's tourism industry. The Philippines has strengthened its efforts to make the country a safe and ideal travel destination during the pandemic.
”During the two years that international travel has been on hold, the Philippines has actively prepared for reopening by implementing guidelines to ensure the safety of our guests, the tourism workforce, and our society in general,” the tourism minister emphasized.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, presented the organization’s Economic Impact Report (EIR). According to the forecast, the tourism industry will generate 2.9 million new jobs in the Philippines alone. The results show that local tourism, as an integral part of the economy, is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.7 percent over the next 10 years. It is expected to grow faster than the general economic growth rate of 5.6 percent.
Already in September 2020, the Philippines received WTTC Safe Travels Stamp, the world's first security and hygiene verification that allows travelers to distinguish those authorities and companies that have adopted the global, standardized
health regulations. By navigating this protocol, the tourism sector looks positively at the ”new normal” and welcomes new trends and desires from both domestic and international travelers.
The Philippines' attractions are well-suited to the new preferences that have followed in the wake of the pandemic. There are open spaces, outdoor destinations and nature reserves. With 98 percent of all tourism industry personnel fully vaccinated, the Philippines can live up to its promise of offering tourists a safe and enjoyable stay.
Entry restrictions have been eased and since April 1, 2022, the Philippines welcomes fully vaccinated tourists from all countries. No testing or quarantine is required upon arrival.
The Philippines has developed several routes to highlight its unique attractions and interesting activities on the various islands.
