How is the tourism industry for the Aquino administration?

I would like to share with you some of the points and highlights of the presentation made by Sec. Lim during the tourism meeting organized by the joint chambers this afternoon held in Makati Shangri-la.

1. The Secretary showed historical figures of tourist influx in 2008 and 2009 where there was a -3% growth. 2009 recorded 3.4M tourists (90/10 share from foreign and ofw/balikbayan)
2. Philippines ranked #8 as common destinations (not sure from where)
3. He made mention that other government agencies like DPWH and DOTC are in full support to help the department achieve its target to increase a million in 3 years.
4. Given a limited budget to accomplish his task, priority will be focused in developing Central Philippines.
5. A question was raised on the issue on the future of Terminal 3. He explained that instead of repairing the terminals in Manila, the government is keen to divert international flights to DMIA since its distance from Metro Manila is similar and ideal with what other neighboring countries have at present.
6. Mindanao tourism is likely not in the priority list of the Secretary due to more important issues to settle – peace and order and others
7. Considering the country as sports hub (thanks to Rep.Manny Pacquiao and others)
8. Medical travel instead of Medical tourism should be promoted as well since our hospitals are in world-class state and ideal for western retirees to get high level of hospital care for less.
9. Targets to improve our tourism standings by providing global standards which includes – better airport facilities (he specifically mentioned the word “arrival experience), better infrastructures, road transportation system and others.
10. Philippines tourism to rise again in 2021 because it will be the Quincentennial celebration of Ferdinand Magellan’s voyage.
Magellan’s arrival in the Philippines made a history as the first complete voyage that defined the longitude and latitude (too bad he met Lapu-lapu).

At the end, everyone in the room full of 300 industry players left with high hopes and confidence in our new administration.