PH tourism gets boost from training program

The Philippines’ tourism centers have received a major boost with the launch of a Canada-funded training program that aims to improve the services at several of the country’s top destinations.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced the launch of a more-than-three-year training program for tourism industry workers in Bohol, Cebu, Davao and Palawan. The $7.1-million project will be funded by the government of Canada and administered by the Manila-based multilateral lender.

“Our collaboration with the ADB and the government of Canada for this grants scheme program proves that international institutions recognize the role of tourism as a key driver of economic development in the country,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. was quoted as saying.

The Aquino administration is banking on tourism to become one of the key economic growth drivers that would help the country reach the government’s ambitious growth goals.

By 2016, the government wants foreign tourist arrivals to reach 10 million a year from just 3 million in 2010—a tough feat for an archipelago that does not share land borders with any other country.

Last year, tourist arrivals reached 4.7 million, missing the state’s goal of 5.5 million as the country’s infrastructure was stretched to its limits. This year, the government’s goal is to grow arrivals to 6.8 million.

“In recent years, the Philippine tourism industry has undoubtedly grown to become a major source of quality jobs in the country,” ADB Southeast Asia principal economist Kelly Bird said in a statement. “With the booming tourism industry, we recognize that a better-skilled workforce is needed as it will lead to quality services.”

Under the program, which will run for 38 months, 26 hotels and resorts were given grants that they can use for the training of their employees. These businesses were asked to submit proposals to help fund their skills training programs.

Training of employees will focus on various areas, including food and beverage preparation services, front office, personality development, housekeeping and leisure and entertainment activities.

In 2013, the Philippines advanced by five rungs in the world tourism competitiveness ratings to 81st among 130 countries surveyed in the World Economic Forum’s travel and tourism competitiveness report. The Philippines was also listed as the most-improved country in the region.