PIDS: Fix tourism ‘leakages’

The Philippine tourism industry’s recovery from the pandemic remains incomplete despite showing signs of resilience, according to a report by the state-run Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

- By RICARDO M. AUSTRIA

While the sector has demonstrated an ability to adapt to shocks, noted that key indicators such as visitor spending and sectoral investments have yet to return to their pre-Covid-19 growth trajectories, PIDS researchers John Paolo R. Rivera, John Joseph S. Ocbina, and Marga Clarence P. Bolalin wrote in a Dec. 17 discussion paper.

Prior to the pandemic, the industry’s real economic contribution, measured by Tourism Direct Gross Value Added, showed a steady and strong expansion that has since turned subdued.

The study cited a disconnect between regional innovation and national recovery.

While Luzon develops heritage corridors, the Visayas focuses on wellness clusters, and Mindanao promotes agro-cultural products, systemic hurdles persist.