news – Page 173 – Author Carlo Carrasco

I Love Israel: Israel attracted 2.675 million tourist entries generating 13.5 billion shekels in tourism revenue for 2022

January 16, 2023January 11, 2023carlocarrasco

The tourism numbers for the State of Israel covering the calendar year of 2022 have been finalized. Israel’s Ministry of Tourism confirmed that the state attracted a total of 2.675 million tourist entries which generated tourism revenue worth 13.5 billion shekels (US$3.8 billion). The Jerusalem Post confirmed the tourist entries figure as well. Take note that Israel opened its borders to international travelers in March 2022 and very clearly their tourism industry is bouncing back strongly which is good for their economy. The above reported figures are the best since 2019 (the record year of tourism in Israel).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official report of the Ministry of Tourism. Some parts in boldface…

In 2022, 2.675 million tourist entries were recorded (as opposed to only 397,000 in 2021 and 831,000 in 2020). The skies in Israel were opened officially to incoming tourism in March 2022 and only three months later, in May, without any restrictions. Incoming tourism to Israel in 2022 is about 41% lower than 2019, a record year for incoming tourism. Revenue from incoming tourism stands at about NIS 13.5 billion (not including cost of flights) as opposed to about NIS 23 billion in 2019.

The Ministry of Tourism notes that there are a number of factors that have affected tourist entries in this recovery year: tourists plan their trips far in advance, and Israel opened for incoming tourism later than similar destinations in the area and Europe. Therefore, Israel’s recovery rate from the crisis is slightly lower than the global average of about 36% decrease in the volume of incoming tourism relative to 2019.

However, a renewed growth in tourism can be seen. In December 2022, 266,200 tourist entries were recorded (compared with 20,500 in December 2021 and 358,300 in December 2019) – a decrease of about 25% (only) in relation to December 2019.

Very clearly, Israel continues to rise with its tourism industry as their nation keeps on persevering with recovering from the depression that came with the COVID-19 crisis a few years back. Considering what was achieved in 2022 in terms of attracting visitors from overseas, further growth this year should not be surprising. There are many millions of people around the world who are eager to visit Israel and spend time at the many holy sites in relation to their faith. For insight about the recovery and growth of tourism in Israel, watch the videos below…

Be thankful to God that the State of Israel is recovering strongly from the COVID-19 crisis. Thank Him for the big rebound of tourism Israel is having right now. Be thankful to Him as many millions of people around the world who believe and follow Lord Jesus will have opportunities to visit the Holy Land to deepen their faith in Him even more.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel, the land that God designated to the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12)!

In ending this I Love Israel piece, posted below are Israel-related videos for your viewing pleasure and enlightenment.

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A tough battle for the Philippines at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (32nd SEA Games) in Cambodia

January 16, 2023January 11, 2023carlocarrasco

This year marks Cambodia’s hosting of the 32^nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games, 32^nd SEA Games and Cambodia 2023). The said regional games composed of multiple sports competitions will officially happen this coming May and already a tough battle for the Philippines has been seen, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Tuesday sees tough battle ahead for the Philippine contingent as Cambodia hosts the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in less than four months.

“Frankly, kinakabahan ako because of the formula na ginawa ng host country (Frankly, I’m worried because of the formula made by the host country),” said Tolentino during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Pasay City.

“Medyo mabigat ang ginawa (It’s a bit abrupt),” Tolentino added, referring to Cambodia’s decision to include events that are practically alien to the other countries and exclude events where Cambodians have slim chances of winning.

For a country of less than 17 million people, Cambodia has lined up 608 events in 49 sports, far bigger than the 530 events in 56 sports in the Manila edition in 2019 and the 526 events in 40 sports in Hanoi last year.

But it does not mean that the Philippines, this early, is giving up the fight for the biennial event scheduled from May 5 to 17.

Tolentino said the POC will still make sure that the Philippines will be represented well in as many events in Cambodia and hope to match or improve on its fourth-place finish in Hanoi in May 2022.

“Salihan natin lahat ng events sa Cambodia (We will join all events in Cambodia),” he said during the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, POC, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

“Kailangan natin masalihan lahat (We need to compete in all events). We will give them a good fight,” added Tolentino, who is also counting on newly-appointed Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairperson Dicky Bachmann as the national athletes gear up for the Cambodia event.

“Buti na lang pareho kami hands-on (Bachmann) (The good thing is we are both hands-on),” said the POC chief and president of PhilCycling.

Cambodia finished at No. 8 in the last SEA Games edition, winning nine gold medals along with 13 silver and 41 bronzes. Providing the golds for the country were vovinam with three and petanque with two, then kickboxing, wrestling and taekwondo with one each.

Tolentino said it will be quite difficult for Cambodia to win the overall title this year.

“Based on their formula hindi kaya mag-first. Pero sasaksak sa taas yun whether second, third or fourth. So baka battle for fourth na naman. Tingnan natin (Based on their formula, they cannot get first place. But they will surge within the top whether second, third or fourth. So it might be battle for fourth again. Let’s see),” Tolentino said.

For the multisports enthusiasts reading this, the SEA Games in Cambodia officially has triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon competitions included which is something the Philippines has been looking forward to.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you believe that the Philippines could match its 31^st SEA Games (hosted by Vietnam) overall medal finish in this year’s SEA Games in Cambodia? If you have been to Cambodia, what is their country like and how is their climate?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Marcos reiterates vow to upgrade Philippine transport system

January 13, 2023January 9, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., reiterated his vow to improve the transport system of the entire nation which can benefit many people who need to travel, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This is similar to what his predecessor declared before.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday reiterated his vow to continue upgrading the country’s transport system to relieve commuters of their daily ordeal due to traffic congestion.

“We will continue to invest and improve our transportation system as well as pursue more projects in the years to come so that Filipinos can gain greater access to places of work, commerce, recreation, and other vital areas,” Marcos said in his speech during the launch of the Metro Manila Subway Project’s (MMSP) tunnel boring machine (TBM) at its depot in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City.

“Having an effective and efficient transportation system will have multiplier effects on employment, the economy, our society, it will bring comfort, convenience, an easier life for all,” he added.

Marcos said developments on the country’s first subway system in the country allow Filipinos to look forward to “better days” as it would also spur economic development and job creation.

He thanked both the public and private sectors for working to ensure the realization of what he described as an “ambitious” endeavor.

In particular, he expressed gratitude to the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for being active partners in the fulfillment of the Philippine infrastructure program.

According to Marcos, the Philippines would not have fulfilled its many infrastructure projects without the assistance of JICA.

“This tunnel boring machine highlights Japan’s expertise and technology and trailblazing contributions in the modern world and thus I am confident that they will help us shape our railway infrastructure and keep them at par with the highest international standards,” he said.

He acknowledged the joint venture of Filipino and Japanese companies for working with the Philippine government on the Metro Manila Subway Projects Contract Package 101 and expressed hope it would be completed on time.

“I hope that both of you and the DOTR will not waiver on your commitment to finish the contract package by the end of 2027 to ensure that Filipinos will get to enjoy the project at the soonest possible time,” he said.

Marcos likewise sought their continued patience, trust, and support, especially as big-ticket projects take years to complete.

“…Let the launching of this tunnel boring machine become a testament to this administration’s commitment to continue to projects of the previous administration and more importantly build better more,” he added.

He also described the launch of the TBM as “a very apt beginning” for a year with renewed vigor and commitment to his administration’s mission to improve the lives of Filipinos.

“We also gain inspiration from the selfless individuals who constantly strive to turn our vision for the transportation sector into a grand reality,” he said.

The PHP488.48 billion Metro Manila subway will stretch for about 33 kilometers across seven cities, from Valenzuela City to Pasay City, and will be able to serve over 519,000 passengers daily once completed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you believe that the Metro Manila subway will make local travel more efficient? What new infrastructure projects do you think the country needs right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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German vlogger arrested by Muntinlupa police officers for allegedly raping minor in motel

January 13, 2023January 13, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently a German national who published online a video of his own acts of picking up a local girl in the Alabang area and paying her got apprehended by Muntinlupa City’s police officers for allegedly committing rape, according to news report by the Manila Bulletin. The video, which was posted on Facebook and YouTube, caught the attention of Mayor Ruffy Biazon who wanted the vlogger declared persona non grata. The German national goes by the online identity as “Mr. Pogi German”. In the news report of GMA Network, it was stated that the suspect has been overstaying here in the Philippines according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

A German vlogger who posted a video on Facebook and YouTube that showed him picking up a girl in Alabang, Muntinlupa, paying her P1,000 as “help” and kissing her was arrested by the police for alleged rape.

Marcel Messall, more popularly known as “Mr. Pogi German” on his social media accounts, was nabbed by the Muntinlupa police on Jan. 10.

Based on the report by Muntinlupa police chief Col. Angel Garcillano, the girl that Messall picked in Alabang turned out to be 17 years old, a minor, and not 18 as he claimed in the video.

Messall, 29, a resident of Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal, was nabbed by combined elements of the Muntinlupa police’s Alabang Substation and Intelligence Section.

Based on the investigation by the police, the victim had a chat with Massell on the Messenger app. They met in front of a mall in Alabang and he invited her to go to a motel.

The police said, however, Messall “insisted to have a sexual Intercourse with the victim but the latter refused to it. The suspect forced to undress the victim” and had sex with her.

The victim told her mother what Massell did to her and they went to the Women and Children Protection Unity of the Muntinlupa police to report the incident.

Messall will be charged with violation Republic Act 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) in relation to Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act).

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon on Jan. 9 condemned Massell’s video showing him picking up the woman in Alabang, bringing her to a motel and kissing her–all caught on video, which he uploaded on Facebook and YouTube.

Biazon asked the Muntinlupa City Council to declare “MR Pogi German” persona non grata in the city after the mayor was tagged by a netizen in the latter’s video, which was uploaded on Jan. 7 on Facebook.

Messall’s video, titled “I’ve Met a 18 Years old Filipina Pick Up Girl from alabang Muntinlupa,” has garnered 10 million views, more than 13,000 comments and more than 256,000 reactions as of this writing.

“Sa una, akala ko papakita pa niyang nagmamagandang loob siya na tinutulungan yung 18-year-old single mother na mabigyan ng kaunting panggastos. Akala ko ang ending ay kunwari dinala niya ito sa kwarto tapos bibigyan nya ng pera tapos hahayaan na niya. Pauuwiin na niya, binigyan ng aral. Obviously hindi iyon ang nangyari. Meron pang scene na pinost sa kanyang vlog na nagtalukbong sila dun sa kumot (Initially, I thought he was doing a good deed of helping the 18-year-old single mother by giving her money to spend. I thought the ending was him bringing the woman to the [motel] room and then he would give money and let her go. He would send her home after lecturing her. Obviously, this did not happen. There is a scene that he posted on his vlog that they hid under the sheets),” said Biazon.

The mayor said, “Ang parang lumalabas sa akin, parang napopromote na dito sa Muntinlupa, with P1,000 may makukuha ka (For me, it seems that it is being promoted that in Muntinlupa, with P1,000 you can get [a woman]). That is something we should not tolerate.”

“Mr. Pogi German” even encouraged other women to participate.

“Who wants to be the next girl for my content?! Tara na pm me!!!” he wrote.

“Obviously, pinagkakakitaan niya rin ito. Ang masama dito, he is actually promoting prostitution (Obviously, he is making money out of this. The bad thing is he is actually promoting prostitution),” said Biazon.

For added insight, watch the Tagalog news video of GMA Network below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Have you seen the controversial video online already? If you did, are you convinced that prostitution and rape really happened? Do you think that Muntinlupa could be a hot spot for prostitution and rape now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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HSBC sees Philippine economy growth of 4.4% for 2023 due to key factors

January 12, 2023January 6, 2023carlocarrasco

HSBC, one of the biggest players of the global financial industry, recently made its forecast of the Philippines growing economically at 4.4% for the year 2023, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). There are certain factors mentioned in HSBC’s assessment for the nation.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

Hikes in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key policy rates are expected to dampen the strong domestic output for 2023, with an executive of HSBC forecasting a 4.4 percent expansion this year.

In a virtual briefing on Thursday, HSBC chief investment officer for Southeast Asia, Global Private Banking and Wealth, James Cheo, said private consumption contributed to the strong recovery of the domestic economy last year but this is seen to be limited by the monetary tightening aimed to temper the elevated inflation rate.

Other factors that boosted gross domestic product (GDP) last year include investments, higher government spending on infrastructure and increased mobility following the resumption of face-to-face schooling, he said.

“Looking into 2023, the country’s growth will slow and the recovery is going to be more gradual as the reopening boost fades and monetary tightening weighs on domestic demand,” Cheo said.

As of the third quarter of last year, growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), rose by 7.76 percent, exceeding the government’s 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth assumption for this year.

The BSP’s key rates have been hiked by 350 basis points from May to December last year, after being at record-low of 2 percent in 2020, as monetary authorities help address the elevated inflation rate.

Last December, domestic rate of price increases further accelerated to 8.1 percent, the highest since November 2008, due to faster annual jumps in goods and energy prices.

Cheo said “household’s consumption in 2023 will likely be curtailed” given the elevated inflation rate.

“Strong employment, tourism recovery, expanding production and retail sales, and public investment will continue to support growth in 2023,” he said.

With inflation expected to remain high, Cheo projects the BSP to make three consecutive 25 basis point increases this year, “pausing at 6.25 percent by Q2 (second quarter) 2023” and keeping this decision until at least the second half of 2024.

The above article ended with HSBC predicting that the Philippine Peso will weaken to the United States Dollar at a rate of US$1 = P56.50.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you believe that inflation and interest rates will somehow slow down the ongoing economic growth later this year? Do you think that Philippine tourism will become a factor to help the Philippine economy grow at least 5% this year? What do you think the national government and its economic managers should do to maintain strong growth as the nation keeps on recovering from the depression of the COVID-19 crisis? Have you been managing your personal or business finances carefully recently?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Wanted person from Region 8 arrested in Parañaque City

January 12, 2023January 9, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently a wanted person from Region 8 was arrested by law enforcers at a construction site in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City, the Manila Bulletin reported. The suspect is wanted for several account of rape and a warrant of arrest was issued.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

A man facing five counts of rape and tagged as the Top 8 most wanted person in Region 8 was arrested in Parañaque City on Saturday, Jan. 7.

The suspect, identified as Ruel Esmale, 38, was arrested by a combined team from Region 8 in coordination with the Parañaque City police Station Intelligence Unit around 5:30 p.m. at a construction site of Top Coastal Luxury Residence in Barangay Tambo.

Report showed that Presiding Judge Catherine Jane Lopez Vanilla Presiding of Regional Trial Court, 8th Judicial Region, Branch 15 of Burauen, Leyte, issued a warrant for the arrest of Esmale for five counts of rape and for three counts of rape on September 7, 2022 with bail recommended of P 180,000 for each count.

The suspect is also facing two more counts of rape issued by Lopez with no bail recommended.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you consider Parañaque a hot spot for wanted criminals from outside of Metro Manila to hide in?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Landmark ordinance of Muntinlupa City signed into law by Mayor Biazon

January 11, 2023January 6, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed into a law a landmark ordinance that deals with poverty in varied ways, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed a landmark ordinance on Jan. 5 that will address poverty by providing wide-ranging services to pregnant women and their children including nutrition, childcare and scholarship programs.

Ordinance No. 2022-035, or the Womb to Work Program Ordinance, was signed by Biazon after the Muntinlupa City Council passed it.

“The Womb to Work Program is a program that aims to provide a solution to poverty in our city. The program is designed to take care of a pregnant woman until she gives birth. We will help from schooling until employment to become a productive Muntinlupeño. This is part of our 7K Agenda,” said Biazon after signing the ordinance.

The ordinance states that the Muntinlupa City government is aligned with the 3rd National Plan of Action for Children, which aims to have children with “better quality and improved way of life; that children are well nourished, have healthy lives and are active learners with good quality education; that children are safe and free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation; (and) that children are actively participating in decision-making processes affecting their lives according to their evolving capacities.”

In implementing the ordinance, the city government will have the following goals:

– Reduction of maternal mortality, new born deaths and under five deaths reduction of morbidities by ensuring maternal and child health care, including new born care, with time tested and proven interventions and ensuring adequate essential supplies, drugs, access to health care and medical facilities;

– End children’s hunger and achieve food security and improved nutrition by drawing on broader and multi-sector nutrition sensitive programs that address the underlying effects of malnutrition and nutrition specific programs that address the immediate causes of malnutrition focusing on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life through infant and young child feeding, complementary and supplementary feeding;

– Combatting water-borne and communicable diseases;

– Prevention and treatment of substance abuse;

– Reduction of childhood disabilities, deaths and injuries from accidents and road crashes;

– Universal access of adolescents to reproductive health care services;

– Access to quality early child care and development with the expansion an accreditation of day care services and child development centers and mandatory kindergarten to make young children ready for school;

– Inclusive and quality basic education, alternative delivery modes, flexible learning options and alternative learning systems

The qualified pregnant or lactating women residing in Muntinlupa under the ordinance are those who are registered in the Womb to Work Program; live in informal settlements; with total household income below minimum wage; lack access to health and nutrition services; solo parents; with debilitating sickness; nutritionally at risk; belong to indigenous groups, farmers and fisherfolks; and other similar or analogous cases.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the newly signed ordinance is indeed a landmark ordinance?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Police apprehend wanted driver in Las Piñas City

January 10, 2023January 5, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers arrested a wanted driver who has been accused for rape and acts of lasciviousness, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect also happens to be one of the most wanted persons in the city.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

A driver wanted for rape and acts of lasciviousness cases was arrested by members of the Las Piñas Police Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

Col. Jaime Santos, city police chief, said the suspect, identified as Edmar Mecares, 34, was listed as one of the most wanted persons in Las Piñas.

Santos said the suspect was nabbed at around 10:30 a.m. on Emeral Road in Barangay Pilar, Las Piñas on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Elizabeth Yu-Guray of Las Piñas Regional Trial Court Branch 202.

The court released the arrest order against Mercares on Dec. 2, 2022 for the crime of rape and acts of lasciviousness with a recommended bail of P540,000.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that there could be wanted persons living secretly within your local community right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Ten earliest taxpayers recognized by Muntinlupa City Government

January 9, 2023January 4, 2023carlocarrasco

During the first day of the processing of the renewal of business permits in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally recognized the first ten taxpayers who made it, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said taxpayers were also rewarded.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government recognized the 10 taxpayers who were the earliest to pay their taxes during the first day of the renewal of business permits on Jan. 3.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon, together with City Administrator Allan Cachuela, city councilors and department heads, awarded the top 10 earliest taxpayers at the Muntinlupa Sports Center in Barangay Tunasan, where the renewal of business permits is being done until Jan. 20.

The top 10 earliest taxpayers on Jan. 3 are Elmer Jesalva (RJ Sari-Sari Store), Erchie Tamon (Erchie Appliance & Parts), Ma. Pinky Begona (MPLG Bagona Trading), Althea Ador (OOST & VOOST Inc.), Denise Dador (Block Devs Asia Inc.), Almer Cesar Piedad (ALFG Trucking Services), Joceln Jalac (Edson Dacana Apartment), Kimberl Lauveles (Beecube Inc.), Arnold Bantiligan (Bob Garon Vandelvort Consultancy) and Laudemer Waminal (Chaulamber Enerprises).

Jesalva has been the No. 1 earliest taxpayer in the last three years. The top 10 received certificates of recognition and baskets of groceries from the Muntinlupa City government.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development. If you are running a business within Muntinlupa, have you ever tried becoming one of the ten earliest taxpayers whenever the business permit license renewal processing happens?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines attracted 2.65 million international arrivals and over P200 billion in tourism revenues in 2022

January 6, 2023January 3, 2023carlocarrasco

With the year 2022 officially over, the Department of Tourism (DOT) officially confirmed that the Philippines attracted 2.65 million tourist arrivals (exceeding the target of 1.7 million) and over P200 billion in tourism revenues were generated for the year, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The holidays delivered further gains for the Philippine tourism industry as it breached its 1.7-million target with 2.65 million international arrivals as of the end of 2022.

The arrivals translated to PHP208.96 billion or USD3.68 billion in tourism revenues, a whopping 2,465.75-percent increase from 2021, according to a news release on Monday.

Based on the monitoring of the Department of Tourism (DOT) from the time the country reopened its borders to all travelers in February until Dec. 31, 2022 arrivals peaked in December as more Filipinos and tourists alike opted to spend the Christmas and New Year vacations in the Philippines.

Of the total 2.65 million international arrivals last year, 628,445 were returning Filipinos while the bulk of 2.02 million tourists were from top markets United States (505,089), South Korea (428,014), Australia (137,974), Canada (121,413), the United Kingdom (101,034), Japan (99,557), Singapore (53,448), India (51,542), Malaysia (46,805) and China (39,627).

The year just ended likewise generated an estimated 5.23 million tourism-related jobs, 11,989 DOT-accredited tourism enterprises as of Dec. 29, 2022 and 25,770 tourism stakeholders who were trained.

DOT Secretary Christina Frasco was elated over the achievements of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., just six months into office.

She said the tourism sector’s growth clearly showed the hard work of the entire industry in order to recover from the unprecedented crisis brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Moments of great difficulty are also moments of great opportunity. In the past, we have overcome a global pandemic and survived various calamities. The Philippine tourism industry has managed to exceed expectations and our tourism partners and frontliners continue to offer the best of Filipino grace and hospitality to the world,” Frasco said in a statement.

“We welcome 2023 with gratitude and excitement for Philippine tourism to bounce back stronger than ever. We shall welcome with warmth and that distinct Filipino smile visitors from all over the world as they visit our award-winning beaches, experience the richness of our culture, and enjoy our world-renowned Filipino brand of service excellence,” she added.

Frasco is hopeful that the DOT will surpass its targets anew in 2023.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development about the Philippines tourism? If you are managing a business, did your business benefit somehow from the arrival of foreign tourists and/or Filipinos who arrived from overseas? Do you think the DOT will be able to achieve its targets for 2023?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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