By Franklin P.
Gumapon
DIPOLOG CITY, Oct. 16 (PIA) - - As the Aquino
administration aims to bring in 2 million tourists by 2016, the Department of
Tourism (DOT) is now tapping the support of the local government units (LGUs)
to realize such a goal.
Tourism Undersecretary Ma. Victoria Jazmin in a press conference held
recently in Dapitan City said the DOT needs the support of the local government
officials to promote tourism industry in the country.
Jazmin told the local press that “infrastructure support is vital to
tourism development and that the LGUs can greatly help in this aspect.”
She also said that under the National Tourism Development Plan, the
development of tourism industry shall be altogether implemented in the three
major clusters, namely, North Philippines, Central Visayas and South
Philippines.
Jazmin underscored the
importance of convergence not only with the national government agencies (NGAs)
but also with the LGUs to boost tourism industry in the country.
To improve connectivity, the DOT has also tapped the Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Communication and
Transportation (DOTC) to provide for the needed infrastructures like roads,
bridges, airports and ports.
The tourism official also said the LGUs have to meet the two
conditions set by the DOT to promote tourism in their respective places. These
are safety and cleanliness.
Moreover, she cited the 5As the tourists are seeking to find in a
destination such as access, accommodation, amenities, attractions and
activities. (JPA/FPG/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)