In a recent interview, BCCP executive chairman Chris Nelson said the potential to lure more UK tourists is high given a lot of attractions in the country.
“I do believe there is an opportunity, but an opportunity that goes hand in hand with infrastructure,” he said.
Based on data from the Department of Tourism (DOT), the UK is among the top 10 source markets for tourists, registering a total 82,412 arrivals in the first five months of 2017.
“I also would say that infrastructure and the development of infrastructure is key in assisting that growth,” Nelson said.
He said it would be difficult for tourists visiting the Philippines for the first time to get around the country, considering traffic woes and accessibility problems.
“If you’ve lived in the country a long time, you can adjust and make other plans. It’s different for someone who is visiting for the first time, therefore it is important that we promote it in the best possible way,” Nelson said.
“We need to facilitate visitors who can go easier, more directly to various locations in the Philippines,” he added.
In line with assisting tourists traveling around the country, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) plans to put up tourist assistance centers (TACs) in targeted areas across the country to house basic facilities and services tourists may need while they are on the road.
TIEZA chief operating officer Pocholo Paragas said the TACs would offer comfort rooms, rest areas, charging and WiFi stations, tourist information desks, police posts, parking areas and as well as Go Lokal stores where products from small businesses in the area can be sold.
He said the planned TACs would come in three size formats, particularly small (66.78 sqm in floor area), medium (114 sqm) and large (196.14 sqm).
Estimated costs to put up one TAC ranges from P2.47 million to P5.9 million.
Moreover, Nelson said having direct flights between the Philippines and the UK would also boost the tourism sector of both parties.
“I think it’s a definite advantage Philippine Airlines is now flying directly to London. They’ve actually increased their flights. And I think it’s a direct advantage to come here,” Nelson said.
