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Have you ever wondered why traveling domestically within the country is often more expensive than traveling abroad? If so, you’re not alone!
Because We’re An Archipelago of 7,641 Islands!
The Philippine Travel Tour Association (PTAA) hopes to see a decline in domestic travel prices to attract more tourists to the country. Evangeline Tankiang-Manankil, the president of the PTAA, stated that the domestic tourism sector is valued at $66.2 billion, which is encouraging news that could indicate potential growth.
The high costs of domestic travel can be attributed to the fact that the Philippines is an archipelago, making inter-island travel expensive. However, there are opportunities for government agencies to support the tourism industry in this regard. Unfortunately, it is often more affordable to travel internationally, which poses a significant challenge that needs to be addressed, according to Tankiang-Manankil.
She also mentioned that the organization is collaborating with local government units (LGUs) to explore ways they can sponsor specific destinations, subsidize various expenses, or reduce taxes to help incentivize local businesses.
PTAA officials have pointed out that improving infrastructure and connectivity could also contribute to lowering travel costs. Jaison Yang, the vice president of the PTAA, noted that the country lacks sufficient hotel accommodations. To promote travel, the PTAA has organized the 32nd Travel Tour Expo at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay, offering promotions and substantial discounts on tour packages to encourage both local and international travel.
For instance, one travel agency at the expo is offering a $360 round-trip ticket to Los Angeles, excluding taxes, while another agency provides a ₱1,900 package for three days and two nights in Coron, which includes hotel accommodation, van transfers, tours, and some meals.
Amidst Growing Challenges
A variety of packages are available to meet travelers’ needs. PTAA officials have observed that more people are opting for longer trips, as Tankiang-Manankil noted that travelers are staying longer in certain locations rather than quickly moving from one country to another. Additionally, with a growing focus on regenerative tourism and sustainability, individuals are increasingly seeking immersive experiences and giving back to local communities.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco is optimistic about the growth of the tourism industry this year, despite both domestic and external challenges. This optimism follows the country achieving a record high of ₱760 billion in total international visitor receipts last year. Garcia-Frasco also highlighted that the first month of this year has shown improvements compared to the same period last year, and she is confident that this growth will continue in the coming months, creating more job opportunities for Filipinos.
