CHIZ: TOURISM HANGS TOUGH DESPITE DOWNTURN

Sen. Chiz Escudero said over the weekend that the tourism remains one bright spot for the country in the face of layoffs and lean income from several industries.

He noted that tourism arrivals in the Philippines increased by 1.5% to a record 3.14 million in 2008 and now accounts for 6.2% of the country's gross domestic product.

"Although the global financial crisis continues to wreak havoc on the economies of many countries, I have seen positive developments, especially in Bicol," the opposition senator added, noting that 1,306,792 local and foreign tourists visited the region in 2008. The Department of Tourism recorded total gross receipts generated by Bicol's tourism industry at P782 million last year, up significantly from P443.5 million in 2007, with at least 499,336 jobs created. Among the events held recently in Bicol that attracted foreign participation were the 1st Daet International Kite Boarding Competition (Feb 5-8) and the International Wakeboarding Championship (March 25-29) in Pili, Camarines Sur.

"The fact that two international watersports events were held in the region shows that the Philippines, with its ideal location and natural resources, has the potential to be the site of other sporting competitions," the opposition senator said.

The Bicol region also received international exposure when the French edition of the reality show Survivor was held in the Caramoan Peninsula, Camarines Sur.

Other attractions in Bicol include the whale sharks in Donsol, Sorsogon and Mayon volcano in Albay.