House sets probe on nCoV tourism impact

MANILA, Philipines — A joint House panel will launch an inquiry on Wednesday on the impact of the novel coronavirus crisis on the country’s tourism sector and on the broader economy.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat has confirmed her attendance at the hearing of the House tourism and economic affairs committees.

Also invited are Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Health Secretary Francisco Duque lll, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.P10B initial losses

The House panel will “get the views and perspectives of government officials and tourism stakeholders from the private sector on the issue,”as the number of people affected by the global health crisis continued to rise.

Based on estimates of the Philippine Tour Operators Association, the local tourism industry has lost at least P10 billion as a result of the health scare.

The National Economic Development Authority also issued preliminary estimates indicating that the economy might lose between P11 billion and P133 billion should the contagion persist.