The challenge for the Mimaropa region is to cater to the needs of tourists from different cultures and religions to further increase the traffic of guests, particularly in neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, says the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Regional Director Roberto Alabado III said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, July 9, that the Philippines’ Muslim-friendly branding is an edge to attract guests.
The Philippines, as the lone Christian country in Southeast Asia, also attracts guests from neighboring countries whose different cultures must be accommodated, he added.
“Gusto nila pumunta sa Pilipinas, pero dapat ayusin natin sa pangangalaga sa kanila by also catering to their needs because of their religion or culture. Ang pinu-push namin na sana ang Mimaropa ay magkaroon ng establishments na nagki-cater ng pangangailangan ng Muslim, Hinduism, or Buddhism na mahilig sa vegan. Sana ay maghanda na rin tayo ron,” Alabado said.
The country’s international visitor receipts in 2023 were ₱482.54 billion, for a total of 5,450,557 international tourist arrivals, which exceeded the projected target of 4.8 million tourist arrivals.
Alabado said an increase was also reflected in the Mimaropa region from the 1.160 million tourist arrivals in 2022, which grew to 2,317,569 arrivals in 2023. The department is positive to exceed last year’s record as it now hits 1.364 million arrivals as of June 2024.
The majority of guests visiting the region come from the United Kingdom, France, Korea, Japan, the United States of America, China, and Australia.
The Department also observed an increased presence of Spanish guests in El Nido and Coron towns that could be linked to the marketing of the country in celebration of 500 years of circumnavigation and the arrival of Christianity.
In 2022, Palawan launched the yearlong celebration of the 400 Years of Christianity (YOC) after it was brought by Spanish Augustinian missionaries in 1622 in Cuyo.
“Na-expose tayo sa Espanya kasi nag-celebrate tayo rito, kaya after two years ay pumupunta sila rito. Hindi ibig sabihin na kapag na-promote natin ngayon ay bukas may darating na, may gap ‘yan. What we’re just looking for is making them top of mind,” he said.
Contribution of domestic market
With the help of international exposure, the sites of El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa Underground River continuously attract foreign markets. The department cited a study showing the significant contribution of backpacker tourists to boosting the local economy.
Their spending power could be less, but the impact of their purchases on the local market is observed, Alabado said, as they also stay longer in the country.
“Ang isang study na nakita namin ay ang backpackers daw ay mas malaki ang contribution sa local na ekonomiya. Since nagtitipid sila, kumakain sila sa karenderya. Baka gusto nila makatipid, since malapit ang sari-sari store ay dito sila bibili. Ang kanilang mga pinupuntahan ay accommodations na tayong local ay don din tayo pumupunta,” Alabado said.
Aside from the observed increased number of international guests, DOT also recognizes the contribution of the domestic market. The influence of social media has a significant impact on the traffic of domestic guests to other sites in the country.
“Ito ay magandang indication na we go for Filipino pa rin kasi ‘yon ang kasya sa budget natin at ‘yon din ang kinagigiliwan ngayon,” he said. (RG/ PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
