Tourism

Under the current government, tourism has been identified as a vehicle to be prioritised for the positive impact it can have on inclusive economic growth, and efforts appear to be bearing fruit. Thanks to an aggressive and highly successful global marketing campaign, brand awareness is on the rise. Momentum looks to continue as 2015 has been designated the “Visit the Philippines Year” and is set to include a slate of events throughout the calendar year that commenced with a visit from Pope Francis in January 2015. With plentiful natural endowments and a cultural propensity for service and hospitality, the Philippines is fortunate to possess assets that serve as demand drivers. A boost to infrastructure could ensure more seamless and efficient movement for visitors throughout the country’s various islands.

This chapter contains an interview with Ramon R Jimenez Jr, Secretary, Department of Tourism; and a dialogue between Cristino L Naguiat Jr, Chairman and CEO, Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation, and Stephen Reilly, COO, Resorts World Manila.