September 30, 2024
Writer/Researcher: Iris Salvante
Moderator: Tobey Fhar Isaac Calayo
Creatives: Krystle Labio
Have you been putting off exploring Palawan or visiting Japan?
Splurge a little for that traveler within you. Even the UN recognizes the power of tourism in its annual celebration of World Tourism Day every 27th of September.
Beyond economic benefits such as local job creation and infrastructure development, the UN believes that tourism is a compelling instrument for fostering peace through cultural awareness (1), promoting environmental sustainability, and mobilizing social and political initiatives.
Despite the bad hit of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector employs one in every ten people on Earth, making it one of the most important and resilient industries (1). In the Philippines alone, 6.21 million Filipinos are working in tourism-related businesses as of 2023 (2).
Let’s dive into the significance of this celebration, explore the Philippine tourism landscape, and discover the priceless benefits of traveling.
World Tourism Day
Traveling is an experience that perhaps humans have enjoyed since the earliest days.
Eventually, it became significant as seen in Ancient China, when kings put great effort into protecting the roads and building stopovers for travelers (3). Religious pilgrimage in the medieval ages also proved that travel was an important part of tradition (3).
First held in 1980, World Tourism Day marked an important milestone in world tourism– the adoption of the UN Tourism Statutes signed on the same date in 1970 (4). The global event was set in time for the end of the high season in the northern half of the world while the southern half starts the season (4).
The UN recognizes this international day as a powerful advocacy tool to spread awareness and influence political will and resources to address global issues like environmental conservation and cultural biases.
Since the first celebration, UNWTO has promoted sustainable, responsible, and universally accessible tourism among member countries through annual themes.
The organization also outlined the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism which aids in increasing the industry’s benefits while reducing its impact, particularly to the tourist destinations(3).
How Fun is Philippine Tourism?
With world-class islands, a vibrant culture, and relentless government support, Philippine tourism’s post-pandemic growth shows off with an 8.6 percent share to the country’s GDP in 2023.
Aside from the sector’s rising trend, the country was honored with travel and tourism awards, including Asia’s Leading Dive Destination and the historic Walled City of Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the 31st World Travel Awards (WTA) (5).
Boracay and Cebu earned a spot as leading luxury island and wedding destinations, respectively (5).
These are impossible without Filipinos’ remarkable hospitality and passion for travel. As DOT Secretary Frasco has said, “Filipinos are tourism’s greatest asset with their genuine smiles, the unparalleled service, and the authentic experiences that leave a lasting impression upon every traveler (5).”
However, there are still challenges that the sector needs to pay more attention to. These include infrastructure development, promotion, and airport and seaport maintenance (6).
While solutions are underway, you can help by simply getting around the country. Chase the bursting waterfall drops hidden in many regions or indulge in delectable Philippine dishes in every town you visit and spread the word about your awesome experience!
The Rewarding Benefits of Wanderlust
Travel is often associated with leisure and perfect Facebook and Instagram shots, but there is so much more to exploring a different place. Besides the most cherished memories and stories, here are why you should travel more.
- Travel teaches humanity and respect for other cultures (7). By traveling, we meet people, hear other languages, taste different kinds of food, and learn about other’s way of life. It teaches tolerance, appreciation of similarities, and acceptance of differences.
- Travel educates you (7). They say experience is the best teacher and so when you travel. Besides different landscapes, languages, and lifestyles, we learn about history, local flavors, and the environment.
- Travel allows you to experience freedom (7). Planning a trip lets you choose where to go, where and what to eat, or what activities you feel like doing. Being on an adventure allows you to live in the moment, try new things, and step into unexplored territories.
- Travel helps you to disconnect and recharge (7). Driven by technology and daily demands, it can be difficult to switch off and relax. Scenic places help turn your focus to the natural environment, and a peaceful vacation allows you to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.
- Travel makes you grateful (7). Travel helps you see things from a different perspective. When going through challenges in life, the sight of incredible landscapes and limitless experiences may help you realize that nothing can appear bigger, even the things you worry about. It makes a person rediscover things to be grateful for and appreciate how others live.
In a tech-savvy generation, tourism has never gone out of style. So long as there are new places to discover, perhaps not in a million years.
That said, the UN fulfills its mandate to support environmental awareness, bridge the gaps between nations, and celebrate humankind’s achievements by honoring tourism’s role.
To do our part, let our innate sense of wanderlust be an opportunity to leave the world a better place through responsible tourism. As the millennials said, “You only live once!”
Support Philippine tourism and World Tourism Day!
Session Questions:
- How does travel make you healthy?
- The Philippines is famous for diving destinations. If you would recommend another attraction, what would that be?
- Tourism promotes cultural awareness. Can you give an example of a cultural bias you had towards a particular region or people that changed after you traveled to their place?
References:
[1] Tourism As An Instrument For Peace I https://www.un.org/en/observances/tourism-day
[2] Tourism Posted Highest Growth in 2023, Contributing 8.6 Percent to the Economy I https://psa.gov.ph/content/tourism-posted-highest-growth-2023-contributing-86-percent-economy
[3] World Tourism Day I https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/tourism-day/
[4] World Tourism Day Celebrations I https://www.unwto.org/world-tourism-day
[5] PHILIPPINES SUCCESSFULLY HOSTS WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2024, BAGS EIGHT AWARDS I https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/news_and_updates/philippines-successfully-hosts-world-travel-awards-2024-bags-eight-awards/
[6] PH Tourism Faces Infra Challenges—DOT Chief I https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/909266/ph-tourism-faces-promotion-infra-challenges-dot-chief/story/
[7] 10 Reasons To Love Travel I https://www.andbeyond.com/magazine/10-reasons-to-love-travel/
