MANILA -- The Philippine tourism sector needs fresh and innovative ideas to bring back the enthusiasm of local and foreign tourists, President Ferdinand R. Marcos said on Monday, as he reiterated his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the industry.

Speaking before the Philippine Tourism Industry Convergence Reception at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Marcos said new ideas and innovation could bring back the confidence of the people so they will be encouraged to explore the best destinations in the country.

“Allow me to repeat that under this administration, the government will remain committed to ensuring that the inputs you have acquired from your listening tours will be optimized for the benefit of the sector,” Marcos said.

“We want one of the key players in our nation’s progress to be buzzing once again with life —stronger than ever—so that they will be able to keep up with these fast-moving times,” he added.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is in the right direction particularly after Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco brought passion and energy to the sector, the President said, adding that those drivers give confidence to everyone to succeed.

The President expressed optimism that the industry will experience a successful revival after the pandemic because of the country’s greatest asset—its people.

“And the greatest asset that we have in the Philippines are the 107 million Filipinos who are a young, well-trained workforce, who are as kind a people, who are as hospitable a people, as gracious a people as you will find anywhere in the world,” Marcos stressed.

“Those advantages is what we are going to present to again, as I said, reintroduce to the rest of the world,” he said.

But there are things that need to be done, according to Marcos.

He said resort areas must be developed, both those already known to tourists as well as the new ones.

Tourism promotions must be actively done and the country’s infrastructure must be improved to make tourist destinations more accessible, he pointed out.

Marcos expects that the Philippine Tourism Convergence Reception will provide the perfect opportunity for various stakeholders to talk to one another and to expand their plans for the future.

“Thank you for your presence and I look forward to the roles you will play. That we will play together in ensuring the progress and recovery of our tourism industry,” he said.

“It is my hope that this reception will foster meaningful discourse and yield concrete plans that we can immediately put into action,” Marcos added. (PND)