SAN JOSE, Antique – Statistics is important in promoting sustainable tourism.
This was highlighted during the opening ceremony of the 28th National Statistics Month in Antique on Monday.
Provincial Statistics Officer Jesus Escote Jr. stressed that statistics play a vital role in the tourism industry being “one of the drivers of economy.”
Statistical Specialist Arnold Pernia of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) affirmed this, adding that this year’s theme – “Exploring Philippine Wonders in Numbers: Statistics towards Sustainable Development” – reflects the relevance of statistics in achieving sustainable and progressive tourism growth in the country.
Pernia said statistics helps identify potential tourist destinations. It also helps identify tourist spots that need intervention.
PSA’s Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts showed that tourism activities contributed 12.2 percent in the Philippine economy in 2017, which is 24.2-percent higher than the previous year.
It added that in 2017, around 5.3 million people have been employed in the tourism industry.
According to Pernia, statistics is also relevant amid the challenges – like natural and man-made calamities – the country faces.
Quality statistics and evidenced-based decisions play significant roles toward achieving Filipino aspirations, he said.
A strong macroeconomic foundation enables the country to cope with the problems caused by issues like poverty, instability and stagnation, among others, the PSA official added.
Pernia also said sustainable tourism is about “refocusing and re-adapting.”
“A balance must be found between limits and usage so that continuous changing, monitoring and planning ensure that tourism can be managed,” he stressed. “Economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable development must include the interest of all the stakeholders including indigenous people, local communities, visitors, the industry, and the government.” (With a report from PIA/PN)
