By Billy Begas
House Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega urged the Department of Tourism (DOT) to step up its efforts and help boost local economic growth, noting that neighboring countries are earning more from tourism.
“La Union, or Elyu as many know it, is driven by tourism and agriculture. But after enduring severe weather disturbances, our people are struggling to get back on their feet. They need work, not just words. The DOT must deliver results that reach local communities,” Ortega said.
Ortega noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has set a clear direction for performance and accountability in the government, and the DOT still has much to prove.
“President Bongbong Marcos has made performance the standard. Agencies must do more than promote. They must produce. Tourism must help revive local economies and create sustainable jobs,” the solon added.
He said that despite aggressive international promotions and a costly rebranding campaign, the Philippines continues to lag behind its ASEAN neighbors in tourist arrivals and post-pandemic recovery.
In 2024, the Philippines recorded only 5.95 million tourist arrivals while Thailand welcomed 35.5 million visitors, Malaysia 25 million, Vietnam 15.5 million, Indonesia 13.9 million, and Cambodia 6.7 million.
Ortega noted that the tourism arrivals last year was below the pre-pandemic high of 8.26 million recorded in 2019.
While the Department of Tourism reported P760.5 billion, or roughly $13.1 billion, in earnings last year, the solon said that Thailand brought in more than $39 billion, and Vietnam around $16 billion.
“These numbers tell a story. We are attracting fewer tourists, and those who do come are spending less,” Ortega said. “That’s a red flag for millions of Filipino workers who depend on tourism, especially in the provinces.”
“Our people are doing their part. It’s time for the DOT to do the same. We don’t need more ribbon cuttings. We need action, we need results, and we need them now,” he added.
Tourism accounts for nearly 9% of the country’s gross domestic product and supports more than 5 million jobs.
Ortega also urged the DOT to deliver measurable and localized results.
