Despite the government’s heavy boost on promoting the Philippines as a fun destination for tourists, the country remains one of the least competitive in travel and tourism compared to its neighbor countries in Southeast Asia, according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2012. Sweden, however, is among the top-ten countries with the most competitive in travel and tourism.
The competitive in travel and tourism rankings in the report are based on data covering 14 areas: policy rules and regulations; environmental sustainability; safety and security; health and hygiene, prioritization of T&T (travel and tourism); air transport infrastructure; ground transport infrastructure; tourism infrastructure; ICT infrastructure; price competitiveness in the T&T industry; human resources, affinity for T&T; natural resources; and cultural resources.
Of the 14 pillars of the index, among the member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines got the worst score in ground transport infrastructure. The report ranked the Philippines the 94th in the world.
Among countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore is leading in tourism competitiveness, ranking 10th; followed by Malaysia at 35th; Thailand at 41st; Bruenei Darussalam at 67th and Indonesia at 74th. Cambodia did worse than the Philippines with the rank of 109th.
“Travel and tourism are not only critical drivers of economic development and social progress. They also represent a formidable factor of regional integration,” WEF Managing Director Borge Brende said. “By improving connectivity and mobility, travel and tourism contribute to creating a regional identity, a sense of ‘Aseanness’ among citizens.”
The WEF said the report highlighted the potential for developing the Travel and Tourism (T&T) sector in Asean and the region’s wealth of natural and cultural heritage. It also discussed the diversity of Asean members that enhances the region’s attractiveness.
Switzerland is on the top of the list this year, followed by Germany and France.
Also included in the top 10 are Austria, Sweden, United States of America, United Kingdom, Spain, Canada and Singapore.
