OBVIOUSLY, one of the hardest hit in this ongoing coronavirus pandemic is the tourism industry and the businesses that depend on it – resorts, hotels, restaurants, adventure destinations, food.
And don’t forget the taxicabs, rent-a-car business, tricycles, vendors, souvenir sellers, museums and heritage landmarks, petroleum, airlines, sea transport, public buses, guided tours, and so many more.
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When will the tourism industry recover? Do we have to wait for the quarantine to ease? No one knows when, actually. Where is the national government taking us? What is the direction of its pandemic responses?
We are all worried and doubtful.
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While sipping my own concoction of fresh lemon, ginger and apple cider vinegar, I look back to the good times of the tourism industry. Pre-pandemic, all tourism stakeholders were active, alive and thankful.
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September is World Tourism Month. Western Visayas and the entire Philippines are meant to celebrate such. But tourism leaders agree – no webinars and zoom meetings can keep the industry alive.
“The tourism industry has to bounce back. Enough of zooms and webinars; let us all get into action,” said a resort owner. “All these quarantine declarations are killing the tourism business. Let us just observe strictly the health protocols and we would survive,” said a tourism consultant.
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In Region 6, tourism stakeholders are relying on the moves of the Department of Tourism (read: support various activities of stakeholders to survive). Regional Director Cristine Mansinares is expected to initiate efforts that would inspire and motivate stakeholders.
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“This is a big challenge for the new regional director. We the operators of various tourism destinations are counting on her for support,” mentioned a resort manager. “No amount of meetings could make us earn money. We need travelers and tourists, even domestic ones. This must be the drive of the leaders in government. Locking the cities and provinces is not the solution,” said a restaurateur.
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“I wonder why outdoor activities are being prohibited by the government. Cycling is a very popular health and sports activity. Surely there is always physical distancing when you bike. Disciplined bikers always adhere to social distancing and other health protocols. Activities like cycling must be encouraged,” said a coach.
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“Yes, I agree about cycling. Even badminton, lawn tennis, table tennis, swimming, and chess could be encouraged. Healthy sports give vigor so why prohibit them. There is even no one telling golfers not to go to the course and swing that club,” a sportsman added.
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The restaurant business is badly hit and too many restrictions have forced some investors to bankruptcy. No one is there to help them. Not even the government could help workers losing their means of livelihood. Waiters and cooks have lost their earning capacity. Who is there to help them?
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“If government leaders are not so politicized in their mind set, they must help the economy bounce back, especially via tourism. Mabuti ang taga-gobyerno, kahit ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) may sweldo pa rin sila. Paano kaming mga negosyante?” a resort operator asked.
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This column greets Vince Tiu, Peter Po, Richmond Arceo, Marlon Navarro, Frank Carbon, Sandra Gomez, Tony Agustin, Johnny Dubuozet, Ann Pastrana, Candice Iyog, Michelle de Guzman, Andrea Ortega, Francis Chiu, Bebot Escamilla, and Judgee Peña./PN
