Tourism contribution to Philippine GDP rises to 12.7%; provides 5.4 million jobs in 2018

The tourism industry’s contribution to the economy reached another milestone in 2018 as it increased to 12.7% of the Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 0.5% higher than in 2017, according to the data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) last June 6. This is in spite of the six-month closure of Boracay island, one of the country’s major tourist destinations.

The Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA), an indicator that measures the value added of the tourism industry, amounted to PHP 2.2 trillion, which is an increase of 14.3% from the 2017 TDGVA of PHP 1.9 trillion.

Employment in the tourism industry also rose to an estimated 5.4 million, 1.8% higher than the 5.3 million in the previous year.

The number of domestic tourists reached 110 million, which is an increase of 14.1% from the previous year’s figure of 96.4 million. This exceeds the 89.2 million target in 2022 stated in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP). Domestic tourism expenditure is also up by 21% at PHP 3.2 trillion, compared to the PHP2.6 trillion in 2017.

Based on the Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) results, it is also estimated that at least two million poor people benefited from the robust growth of tourism compared to original targets from 2016 to 2018.  This is in line with the NTDP’s strategic direction on sustainability and inclusive growth.

“These achievements in the tourism industry are a result of a holistic and convergent government. The Build Build Build program of the administration has greatly improved infrastructure and transport connectivity, while the ease of doing business, coupled with a facilitative environment for investments, has boosted both visitor and investor confidence in Philippine tourism”, remarked Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“Moreover, these numbers show that the Philippine tourism industry is sustainable; it is an engine for socio-economic growth that provides jobs and income to the country while preserving Filipino culture and tradition as well as conservation of the environment.”, she added.

PDOT bids hosting of UNWTO confab in 2021

Bhutan - The Joint Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Commission on Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and the Commission on South Asia (CSA) supported the Philippine bid to host the UNWTO General Assembly in 2021. The bid is timed with the celebration of the quincentennial of the world’s first circumnavigation in 1521 which was completed when the Spanish expedition arrived in Cebu.

DOT Officials with Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering (second from left) during Bhutan’s Welcome Reception on 03 June 2019, (L-R:  Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Undersecretary Edwin R. Enrile.)

Philippine Delegation to the UNWTO Commission and Related Meetings

DOT officials at the 31^st UNWTO Joint Commission Meeting

Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat during the Department’s hosting of the Philippine Dinner Reception 

The warmly-applauded performance of Ms. Isay Alvarez and Mr. Robert Sena during the DOT-hosted dinner

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who led the Philippine delegation to Bhutan for the 31st UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Related Meetings, enthused, “The Philippines is excited to host the UNWTO General Assembly in 2021, primarily to showcase the country’s sustainable tourism programs and actions and secondly, to give importance to the nation’s significant role in world maritime history and to draw highlight to our country’s discovery.”

Among the various meetings held in the three-day conference was the UNWTO Regional Conference on Sustainable Development through Tourism. This has been a platform to discuss the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Sustainable Consumption and Production through Tourism.

Bhutan's initiatives on Gross National Happiness (GNH) in Asia highlighted the conference theme, wherein most speakers talked about their respective programs on GNH. The PDOT, as a member of the panel, shared its intent to review current policies and to put premium on sustainable development as part of the tourism indicators which must go hand in hand with other economic development indicators.

Meanwhile, at the 57th Meeting of the UNWTO CAP, the Philippines was elected as member of both the Committees on Tourism and Sustainability and on Statistics and the Tourism Satellite Account. The inclusion of the Philippines in these committees provides an opportunity not only to sit among other UNWTO Member states but to share its invaluable experience in promoting sustainable tourism development.

The PDOT-hosted dinner at the Taj Tashi Hotel was highlighted by the presence of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Dr. Lotay Tshering.

Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat with Chef Margarita Fores

“Asia’s Best Female Chef” Margarita Fores curated the dinner with dishes such as sinigang, chicken inasal and beef adobo. Before the reception ended, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili appointed Chef Fores as a UNWTO Ambassador.

The reception featured world-renowned performers Isay Alvarez and Robert Sena whose repertoire included Filipino songs, and popular classical and musical numbers.

Photos shared by Rey Moraga

FASTJOBS HONORS THE BLUE-COLLAR WORKER

Last May 16 and 17, 2019, in celebration of Labor Day Month, FastJobs – Philippines’
fastest growing online jobs portal – gave away free tickets to Star City to 200 families,
gathering over 800 at Rizal Park where the event was held.

“FastJobs came up with this event because we believe that family is the reason why our
Jobseekers are motivated to find work and improve their family’s lives. This gathering
gives them the opportunity to actually enjoy the fruits of their hard work and spend it
with people they love most,” shares Sebastian San, the Assistant Director, Regional
Partnerships of FastJobs. “At FastJobs, we understand and fully support the family-
oriented culture of the Filipino.”

As a pioneering HR tech company, FastJobs has for years been the champion of the
blue-collar worker, also regarded as the “forgotten, unsung heroes.” “They are the
backbone of the economy, and it is only fitting that we make it easier for them to find the
jobs that match their skills and which meet the needs of employers.”

FastJobs is a re-imagination of the ultimate hiring platform, built for speed and efficiency
with mobile-first innovations such as FastChat, Resume Builder, and Group Broadcast
Capabilities. This helps employers save time and resources to hire fast.

The platform works by having the jobseekers download the FastJobs App on their
mobiles. After registering, they can immediately start submitting their job applications.
With FastJobs’ easy-to-use features, it is a quick and simple process for jobseekers to
apply for job opportunities.

On the other hand, employers are also empowered. They are given access to a web-
based dashboard to manage candidates and job applications, as well as provided
analytics to hire more effectively. With FastChat, they save time and avoid missed
connections with jobseekers through the instant messaging feature.

“What sets FastJobs apart is really our focus on the blue-collar workforce, mobile-first
approach, and our innovative features,” adds San. “In addition, we believe that our after-
sales support is extremely important. This is so that our employers receive the help they
need and find the right talent. Fast!”

FastJobs is more than just a job searching portal, it helps build community and brings
back dignity to manual labor. Here, Filipinos will find not only like-minded partners and
jobseekers, but discover a world of greater work opportunity.

The FastJobs mobile app is now available for download in Singapore, Malaysia,
and the Philippines at the Android Play store and Apple App store.

Visit https://www.fastjobs.ph/

About FastJobs

FastJobs is Philippines’ fastest growing online jobs portal that focuses on recruitment of
the Blue-Collar Workforce. Founded by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) as a startup,
the platform was officially launched in April 2015 and has been transforming the way
people are connected to jobs, with over 1 million mobile application downloads across
the region.

The company’s vision is, “To provide everyone equal access to job opportunities”. As
FastJobs expands across Southeast Asia, the company utilizes key data insights to
support better job matching; promoting greater personal economic growth and improving people's lives.

President Duterte asks Japan businessmen to invest in tourism

President Rodrigo Duterte met with leaders of the Japanese travel industry and invited them to invest in the Philippines

TOKYO, JAPAN - In a parallel event to the 14th Philippine Business Mission (PBM) for tourism held in Japan, President Rodrigo Duterte met with leaders of the Japanese travel industry and invited them to invest in the Philippines, stating that now is the best time. The tourism and travel sector stand to benefit from the Build, Build, Build program, which has a number of ongoing transportation infrastructure development projects to achieve seamless travel to and around the archipelago.

Organized by the Department of Tourism, the travel industry meeting with the President was a historic occasion, signaling the importance held by Japan as the country’s fourth biggest foreign tourist market.

The historic meeting coincides with the annual Philippine Business Mission organized by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board. This year, the three-city PBM, covering Sapporo, Nagoya and Tokyo from May 27-31, 2019, takes pride in having a 38-company strong Philippine delegation.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (left) earlier presented an economically viable tourism sector teeming with exciting investment opportunities in the areas of accommodation, transportation, leisure and recreation facilities, food and beverage and even infrastructure 

This year, the three-city Philippine Business Mission, covering Sapporo, Nagoya and Tokyo from May 27-31, 2019, takes pride in having a 38-company strong Philippine delegation

With no less than the President in attendance, more business and investment leads are expected to yield reciprocal arrangements to further strengthen Japan-Philippine tourism relations

The Philippine Business Mission delegation led by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (5th seated from left) and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (6th)

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat earlier presented an economically viable tourism sector teeming with exciting investment opportunities in the areas of accommodation, transportation, leisure and recreation facilities, food and beverage and even infrastructure.  

The Japanese Association of Travel Agents (JATA) President, Tadashi Shimura, mentioned that under the leadership of Secretary Puyat, there have been focused marketing initiatives in Japan for Philippine tourism. He noted that in 2018, the 8.15% growth rate of Japanese arrivals to the Philippines was higher than the total Japan outbound rate of 6% and thanked the Philippines for supporting efforts to grow the Japanese market further.

Shimura also affirmed that Japan’s travel industry will help the Philippines develop and promote more destinations following Cebu and Manila and support the country’s advocacy on sustainable tourism. JATA will send 20 travel agencies to the Philippines to meet with local travel agents and explore possible areas of collaboration.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arturo Tugade enthused that the development of new airports and expansion of existing gateways serve to attract many investment and business opportunities for airline companies and airport operators in Japan.

International air seats to the Philippines from Japan now total 3,250,264 as of March 2019.  The inbound traffic is expected to rise with Philippine Airlines’ introduction of Chitose-Manila thrice weekly flights last December, Japan Airlines’ daily service linking Haneda with Manila since February and the upcoming flights of Air Asia (Osaka-Manila, July 1), and Cebu Pacific (Narita-Clark, August 9).

Anticipating an upsurge of visitors, President Duterte cautioned, “We are receiving a lot of tourists now and soon, some areas might not be able to accommodate you for lack of facilities. We suggest for those who are interested to go into business to participate in building resorts for your citizens.”

With the improved airports and seaports, inter-island travel will be easier, more comfortable and with more providers coming in, more affordable, the President added.  

The Philippines played host to 631,801 Japanese travelers in 2018, an 8.15% growth versus 2017.

With no less than the President in attendance, more business and investment leads are expected to yield reciprocal arrangements to further strengthen Japan-Philippine tourism relations.

SOMERSET OLYMPIA MAKATI'S FIRST PUPPY HOUR

MAKATI, Philippines, 1 May 2019—The Ascott Limited’s Somerset Olympia Makati celebrated its first Puppy Hour last April 30, 2019.

In line with the international celebration of pet month, Somerset Olympia Makati celebrated the value of pet ownership that brought together dog owners, bloggers, and a non-profit organization in raising awareness for a good cause.

The participants had a chance to tour around the facilities of the serviced-residence together with their dogs as Somerset Olympia Makati is the first pet-friendly property of The Ascott Limited in the Philippines.
Ms. Susan Salcedo, The Ascott Limited Philippines’ City Manager said, “Because there are only a few pet-friendly properties in the hospitality industry in our country, Somerset Olympia Makati offers a home for your pets”

“Moreover, we are not just your mere serviced-residence because our service is perfect for those travelers or families who would not want to leave their pets in the corners of their homes” Salcedo added.

The said event also discussed the current state of the lives of military working dogs (MWD) and contract working dogs (CWD) in the Philippines through the invited guest speakers and founders of Hound Haven Philippines, Maxin Arcebal, CEO and Chelsea Pecson, COO.

The success of Puppy Hour was made possible by its partners namely Fur Magic, Sleeky, St. Roche, Nutram, Bow House, Pet Express, Vitality, and Whole Pet Kitchen.

From left to right: Joyce Agsaway- Somerset Olympia Makati Operations Manager, Maxin Arcebal- CEO Hound Haven Philippines, Chelsea Pecson- COO Hound Haven Philippines, Susan Salcedo, The Ascott Limited City Manager

Pet Summit Philippines 2019: Pawsome Event Was Grand Success

 Pet Summit Philippine 2019 was great, as always. It was a discovery of new products, discounts on our favorites, and freebies galore. There were new pet products and a lot of learning time with experts sharing their knowledge. 

It was fun and games  - and animals and owners have bonding time together, making new friends, and seeing a lot of skilled, talented, and beautiful dogs.

A Corgi's nose



Jack Russells chilling before their performance



Longest hair contestant checking out the competition

Pet Summit Philippines would like to give big thanks and tight hugs to all their wonderful exhibitors, awesome contributors, media partners, special guests, amazing sponsors and most especially, to the thousands of pet lovers for joining them in this year's happiest and biggest Pet Trade Show 
 #EverythingYouLoveAboutPets 
 Pet Summit Philippines 2019!
Paws & Tails Event Concepts and Management and ALL4PETSParty.com
#PetSummitPH
#PetSummitPhils2019

PET TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS, SPONSORS, CONTRIBUTORS & PARTNERS

Nutram Philippines
Saint Roche Premium Organic Dog Shampoo
SmartHeart Philippines 
PRAC-TIC 
MILBEMAX
Bow & Wow – The All-Natural Pet Store
Jerhigh Philippines
Special Dog PH
Special Cat PH
Monge Philippines
Petdiscount Ph
EzyDog Philippines
Pet Options
VSI Pet Care - Nurture Pro, Brit Care, Kit Cat & Carnilove
Furmagic
Furmom's
Petto Ai ペット愛
Sleeky Philippines
Powercat Philippines Official
Pet Parenting PH 
Boehringer Pets PH
Pupkits
Pet Loft Mnl
Petworld
Pillows&MorePH
Pet Food Institute
Zephyr Enterprises
True Value Hardware Philippines
Vitality Dog Food Ph
Intellipet Philippines Company
OCR Dogs PH
Photobook Worldwide 
Happy Dog - Philippines
Happy Cat - Philippines
Vigor and Sage Ph
BARF philippines
The Incredible Raw
Sniff by Purple Paw
SPOT - See Pets On Track 
Furlil Monsters-MiyokoPh
Animal Scene
When In Manila Pets & Animals 
AgriTV & Ms. Bernie Alfonso Leyte
IBC 13
Acuaverde Beach Resort and Hotel, Inc.
One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites
Bayopet Phils.
Bow House
Our Dog and Our Cat
Animal Kingdom Foundation
CARA Welfare Philippines
Cats of Manila
ARF Manila Page
PPBCC Philippine Pet Birth Control Center Foundation
Save the Laguna Pit Bulls Sanctuary
Freedom Flyers International 
Ms. Gen Reyes - Canine Life Coach
Mr. Eric Suguitan
Coco Chanel & Mr. Adrian Stephen Cabuhat
UP MMDA Vanguard K9 S&R
MMDA K9 Corps Kabayani
Camanava Pack
Cat & Dog Fashionistas
Philippine Toy Poodle Owners
Ms. Jocelyn Chong Dy
Belgian Community United
Retriever Pack Phils.
CCP Pack
Golden Retriever Club Phils.
Boston Terriers Tribe Phils
Mandaluyong Pack Leaders
Pitbulls and Bullies of Mandaluyong

In collaboration with: North Crew Events and Projects

https://web.facebook.com/petsummitphilippines/

PHL-France strengthening tourism cooperation

MAKATI CITY – The Philippines strengthened its tourism partnership with France through the signing of the summary record of discussion during the 1^st Philippines-France Joint Working Group Meeting.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito Bengzon Jr. signed on behalf of the country while the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Head of Tourism Promotion Department Clément Laloux represented the French delegation.

“Our meeting aims to discuss the plans and developments of the agreement to recommend programs, projects, and activities for the development of tourism cooperation between our two countries…As we are gathered here, may we continue to help each other to build and promote our respective countries,” Undersecretary Bengzon said.

The inaugural joint working group meeting between the two nations commenced following the signing of the agreement on tourism cooperation in Manila last February 2015.

“We are very happy to be here for this first joint committee on tourism. I think we both worked very actively to increase the number of tourists coming to the Philippines and coming to France. I’m sure that the French expertise of the French companies that are part of the delegation will take part in this development,” Laloux said.

Leading the Embassy of France in Manila delegation are His Excellency Nicolas Galey, French Ambassador to the Philippines and Micronesia, Deputy Head of Mission Christine Carole, Political Counsellor Quentin Biehler, Economic Counsellor Laurent Estrade, and Counsellor Camille Chabe.

Representing other French government organizations include  Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs International Development Officer Maud Hainry and Atout Franc Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Director Morad Tayebi.

The French private sector was well represented by Aéroport de Paris Ingénierie Aviation Marketing Director Guillaume Arrigoni, Pomo Asia Sales Manager Benjamin Fauchier Delavigne, Club Med Regional Development Manager – East and South Asia and Pacific Sébastian Favre, PayinTech Country Manager – Philippines Brian Tessier, and Paris-Manila Technology Corp. President and CEO and member of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines Hubort d’Aboville.

“France is well aware of the huge potential of the Philippines’ tourism sector…Your beautiful and welcoming country can certainly attract many more tourists beyond the well-known destinations in Southeast Asia. As your slogan says, it’s always more fun in the Philippines,” Ambassador Galey shared.

Among the agenda of the meeting covered were the destination promotion efforts and best practices, investment opportunities, air route connectivity and direct flight proposal, and the two-way tourism traffic.

“We have managed to attract almost 75,000 French tourists in 2018, hopefully with better coordination and closer cooperation it can finally reach 100,000,” Undersecretary Bengzon added.

A total of 74,389 French tourists visited the Philippines last year with 22,219 arrivals already for the first two months of 2019. This recorded a double-digit growth of 22.25% against the same period in 2018.

Conversely, over 86,000,000 Filipinos visited France in 2017 mostly on pilgrimage tours. 

France is the country’s thirteenth source market and is the top three for Europe following the United Kingdom and Germany. As of February this year, French tourists are also the ninth top spending tourist with PHP 896,158,004 expenditures or USD 17,171,049.

The DOT targets 114,264 French tourist arrivals by 2020.

In order to attract more French nationals, the DOT conducts product and market research and development with training, webinars, e-learning and incentive programs for the French market, trade development and trade support via French travel agents familiarization trip, joint promotion campaigns, business-to-business workshop with Philippine travel trade and Central Europe roadshow, conduct of French media familiarization tours, and participation at major trade and consumer fairs including dive shows with the notable endorsement of French celebrity freediver Guillaume Néry as the Freediving Ambassador of the Philippines.

The French delegation also toured Intramuros, Rizal Park, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, National Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Museum of Natural History showcasing Manila’s tourism products, park management, heritage conservation, and deep religious culture of Filipinos.

Photos:

“Your beautiful and welcoming country can certainly attract many more tourists beyond the well-known destinations in Southeast Asia. As your slogan says, it’s always more fun in the Philippines.” -  His Excellency Nicolas Galey, French Ambassador to the Philippines and Micronesia (left)

 Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. signs the summary record of discussion during the 1^st Philippines-France Joint Working Group Meeting

Europe and Foreign Affairs, Head of Tourism Promotion Department Clément Laloux (left) together with DOT Undersecretary Bengzon