They'll just complain about Filipino food being too oily or not being mainstream enough. Then they'll complain why Filipino food is not as popular as Thai or Vietnamese food internationally.
This is what the article says. I added emphasis to the part about the "blueprint"
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is sounding the alarm on the Philippines’ lagging tourism sector, urging the government to enact sweeping reforms as international arrival figures fall behind regional competitors.
In a statement on Sunday, Jan. 11, FFCCCII President Victor Lim described the current state of the industry as a “pivotal” moment, arguing that structural changes are now an urgent economic necessity.
While neighboring nations in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are reporting a robust post-pandemic recovery, the Philippines is struggling to regain its footing.
“We, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), urge immediate decisive and comprehensive tourism reforms,” Lim said.
Data from the first 11 months of 2025 showed thhat the Philippines recorded 5.24 million international arrivals, a 2.2 percent decrease from the same period a year earlier.
The end-November figure also remained 37 percent below the benchmark levels seen in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted global travel.
Lim said the decline posed a direct threat to the broader economy, noting that tourism is a critical engine of inclusive growth. The sector is a primary employer and a lifeline for micro, small, and medium enterprises across the archipelago.
The federation identified three systemic hurdles: a “hassle factor” caused by congested airports and poor digital connectivity, uncompetitive visa policies that act as a deterrent compared to the streamlined entry points of regional peers, and a fragmented marketing strategy that fails to capitalize on the country’s cultural heritage.
To reverse the trend, the FFCCCII proposed a “Blueprint for Immediate Reform.” The plan calls for an “ASEAN-competitive” visa regime and a “connectivity revolution” to modernize primary gateways and facilitate easier travel between islands.
Lim also cited the need to pivot promotional efforts toward “The Philippine Experience,” moving beyond traditional sightseeing to highlight the nation’s history and hospitality.
The federation’s call for action comes as the Philippines seeks to bolster its domestic economy amid global headwinds. By fixing the bottlenecks in the tourism pipeline, the group believes the industry can return to its role as a powerhouse for prosperity.
Lim said the FFCCCII is ready to partner with the public sector, noting that while the country’s potential is vast, it requires decisive policy shifts to compete effectively on the global stage.
Those seem like reasonable options, I don't see why anyone would oppose them. The visa thing would really help, although I do wonder if we could try promoting the Philippines to other ASEAN countries given how ASEAN countries don't need a visa to visit each other (hence why Thailand and Vietnam are so popular among Filipinos these days). As for the congested airports thing, we're already working on that, but it will take time. There have long been proposals to expand Busuanga Airport, for example, so that it could accommodate jets, but for whatever reason that hasn't been progressing. I'm not sure if the same has been suggested for Siargao. Maybe if Marcos listens to the people and put someone else at the DOT, that would help too.
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Will doomers be foamin?
They'll just complain about Filipino food being too oily or not being mainstream enough. Then they'll complain why Filipino food is not as popular as Thai or Vietnamese food internationally.
Maybe? They dont like solutions being implemented coz they cant doom anymore 🤣
Doomers really need therapy that is actually helpful.
Im intrigued, hopefully they thought of these carefully.
link please!
https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/11/business-group-proposes-new-blueprint-to-solve-tourism-bottlenecks
I've also posted the article text under another comment here
I'm interested too in the Manila Bulletin article. What did they suggest, and is it feasible?
This is what the article says. I added emphasis to the part about the "blueprint"
Those seem like reasonable options, I don't see why anyone would oppose them. The visa thing would really help, although I do wonder if we could try promoting the Philippines to other ASEAN countries given how ASEAN countries don't need a visa to visit each other (hence why Thailand and Vietnam are so popular among Filipinos these days). As for the congested airports thing, we're already working on that, but it will take time. There have long been proposals to expand Busuanga Airport, for example, so that it could accommodate jets, but for whatever reason that hasn't been progressing. I'm not sure if the same has been suggested for Siargao. Maybe if Marcos listens to the people and put someone else at the DOT, that would help too.
Yung mga business groups din na yan ang nagpapamahal sa Pilipinas - isa sa mga complaints. Mataas ang singil para sa value of service/goods