Senator Miguel Zubiri emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to enhance infrastructure in key Philippine tourism areas, especially in energy generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. This collaboration, he argued, is crucial for the tourism sector to compete more effectively in Southeast Asia.
During a hearing on Senate Resolution 1121, which investigates the economic impact of inadequate infrastructure on tourism, Zubiri highlighted the competitive disadvantage the Philippines faces compared to its neighbors, adding that the country has lagged in terms of airports, power supply, public transport, and connectivity.
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, pointed out that while the Philippines welcomed 5.4 million foreign visitors in 2023, other Southeast Asian countries saw much higher numbers, with Thailand leading at 28 million. According to Zubiri, enhancing infrastructure could help the Philippines tap into the tourism market more effectively, potentially boosting the country’s GDP.
Zubiri cited successful initiatives such as the power solutions implemented in Boracay and suggested that similar strategies could be applied to other tourist areas. He advocated for renewable energy solutions as sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective alternatives for off-grid island destinations.
The senator noted that investors may be discouraged from visiting the country’s tourist destination due to high power prices or fluctuating power supply, highlighting the economic implications of insufficient infrastructure. He emphasized that high power costs would ultimately burden tourists and residents, which is an undesirable outcome.
This push for improved infrastructure in the tourism sector underscores the critical need for comprehensive planning and investment to enhance the Philippines’ attractiveness as a major tourist destination in Asia.
