The Daily Manila Shimbun

 

Duterte’s presence in local tourist areas may help boost tourism: Palace

February 17, 2020



President Rodrigo Duterte’s presence in local tourist spots can help boost the country’s tourism amid the novel coronavirus scare, according to Malacanang on Monday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) plan to make Duterte visit select tourist destinations is a potential way to attract visitors.

“I think so, yes. He is always a magnet. His presence attracts people from attending an event,” Panelo said.

However, Panelo said Duterte might not take part in any activities during the  tour.

“Maybe he will just go there to make his presence felt, to say hello,” he said.

Though the DOT said the tour may start by end of February to early March, Panelo said it will still up to the Office of Appointments and the Presidential Security Group when Duterte can start travelling.

In a separate briefing at Malacanang, Tourism Undersecretary Art Boncato said they are coordinating with the Office of the President to discuss the coming activity.

Boncato said they are lining up Cebu, Boracay and Bohol as the first destinations for Duterte.

“Our office is still coordinating with the Office of the President. But as mentioned during the call on the president it should be immediate so it’s gonna be by next couple of weeks. We are lining up destination like Boracay, Cebu, it’s also mentioned during meeting even Bohol… That’s the initial list,” he said.

“Intention is to visit as many destinations as possible,” he added.

In promoting domestic tourism, Boncato said local carriers, tour operators and hotels owners and operators committed to help by offering lower rates and engaging travel packages.

“The President also expressed it, he issued a message (that) now is the time to really help push domestic tourism as we are also slowing down in terms of arrival in certain foreign market… so to cushion whatever impact this disaster may bring in the tourism industry… As we see it it’s still early but we are uncertain on how long this will go on so we would like those measures to address as soon as possible,” he said.

In a video message last February 13, Duterte encouraged people to travel with him in the country.

“To my fellow Filipinos, I encourage you to travel with me around the Philippines. I assure you that everything is safe in our country, be it an issue of health, be it an issue of law and order, and be it an issue of accessibility,” he said.

Duterte said there are a lot of beautiful places in the Philippines.

“Come with me and be my travel companion. I’ll be travelling around the Philippines. Let’s travel here first in our country,” he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS