Tourism is about Partnership

IT is good to see that Gov. Amado Espino Jr. is keeping true to his pronounced agenda that tourism will be part of his administration’s priority programs.

Tourism is recognized as one of the most opportune industries that could fast-track a local economy, whether at the country level or within smaller areas such as regional or provincial levels. Unlike other business sectors, tourism creates employment opportunities not just within the sector itself but also spurs the expansion of related sub-sectors, i.e., ice cream vendors, jeepney and tricycle drivers, musicians, farmers, photo shops, garments, etc.

But the provincial government could not take on the task alone. While the capitol develops the masterplan and lays out the necessary infrastructure, it needs a counterpart investment from the private sector in the form of services, developing activities, building lodgings and dining places, and putting together packages that will attract both local and foreign tourists.

Certainly, municipal and city governments – especially those that already have established tourist destinations such as Manaoag for its shrine and cathedral, San Fabian and Dagupan for their beaches and seafood Lingayen for its historic spots- can help in the effort by continuing efforts to improve communication and access facilities in their localities while the private sector improves on its products and services. These destinations’ continued popularity augurs well for the economy of neighboring towns as well.

The success of Alaminos City under the leadership of Mayor Hernani Braganza in revitalizing the Hundred Islands National Park makes a good template for the province’s plan – it has shown a sound formula that includes government-private sector partnerships, community involvement, and natural resource management.

But as Alaminos had demonstrated, caution should always be taken to make sure that the development plans are in synched with efforts to preserve and protect the environment. It’s almost a guarantee that any sign of environmental degradation in a destination will shoo away potential visitors.

We agree that the province, as the governor has been repeatedly pointing out, does have a good tourism potential given its topography, natural resources and history. And the market – particularly the big overseas community of Pangasinenses – is promising.

But what tourism development is not is the mad race for the construction of an international airport since the presence an airport alone is no guarantee that tourists will flock to the province. The promise of having an airport is illusory at best.

In sum, no tourism plan by any local government unit can succeed without engaging the private sector in an active partnership.

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