DOT Strengthens Tourism Resiliency

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is strengthening the resilience of the tourism industry in the country.

Through a series of symposiums held all over the country, DOT spearheads the Regional Tourism Crisis Management, to ensure that the level of preparedness for crisis events is intensified in all regions.

During the Central Visayas leg, tourism officers from local government units (LGUs) and personnels from different business establishments attended the symposium.

The talks highlighted the promotion of the stability of the tourism industry in times of adversity.

Security and Business Continuity Manager of FLOUR Philippines Henry Teodoro Hernia stressed that the role tourism in the Philippines could make the country vulnerable without it.

The industry’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) was at 19.7 and 21 percent for 2016 and 2017 respectively, as per the report of World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

For DOT to withstand vulnerabilities caused by Political turmoil, Economic instabilities, Social disturbances, Technological Attacks and Environmental hazards, Hernia emphasized that personnels involved in the country’s tourism sector must have a thorough understanding of crisis management.

Hernia shared during the symposium a crisis management process called PUKSA which was developed to ensure safety and security of tourists.

PUKSA stands for planning for risk prevention, understanding the value of emergency planning, knowing the alarm and communication systems, system evaluation and enhancement and adopting opportunities for improvement of the system.

Following the closure of Boracay island last April, other travel destinations in the country have been flocked by rerouting foreign and local tourists.

Hernia stressed the importance of crisis management plans created by LGUs and business establishments, which are helpful in countering problems caused by sudden boost of the number of tourists

He also shared that this plan could help in preventing negative impacts affecting their organization and the country’s reputation in case crises will arise.

In addition, Safety and Security Consultant Eugene Boco said that LGUs and business establishments must understand the risk profile of the country and their respective areas.

He added that this understanding is important, to come up with an effective crisis and emergency plan.

According to Boco, disasters and emergencies could greatly affect tourist arrivals, tourism receipts, the employment and the economy of the country.

“To manage these challenges adequately, tourism industries must need to adapted, equipped and be more resilient in addressing these challenges in a flexible manner with clear understanding of the special needs and concerns in emergency/disaster management of the tourism sector,” Boco said. (JKM/PIA7)