Philippines becoming a tourist hot spot.

Source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/9987/tourists-staying-longer-in-philippines-says-immigration-bureau


                         We all are aware of the negative things that other countries are hearing in regards to our country. I know that there are a lot of events that are not in the government's or even the citizens' control that have been happening here. News of natural disasters, frequent floods, summary killings, robberies, and so much more of the like. A lot of foreigners are becoming discouraged to have a visit or even take a vacation here because of all the things that they've been hearing. Is it really fair to judge immediately? They've only been hearing the down side of our country, they have much more yet to know that could change their minds.


                        After hearing the news of the increase in number of tourists wanting to stay in the Philippines, i felt a surge of happiness and contentment, a lot of people still don't base their judgments on the negative news they've been hearing about our country. During the time, which was just recently, where a hostage taking of a Chinese tourist bus took place where embarrassingly enough, was done by our own senior inspector for the shallow reason of wanting to be reinstated, i seriously had misgivings with the Philippines' number of foreign tourists/vacationers in the future. I mean, not to be insulting or anything, but I know that a lot of Filipinos are sharing the same sentiments as me. Think about it, Chinese people or foreign people were the victims in the hostage taking, by a police officer of all people, a law enforcer of our own country. If I were the foreigner who heard about this news, surely I would also feel uncertain towards visiting the Philippines.


                       Though I felt quite embarrassed and sad with the happenings here in our country, I am of course still hoping that tourists would see that past the negative side, our country still has a lot more potential. I'm happy that the things I've been hoping for, are practically coming true. There has been an increase in number of foreign visitors, not only that, a lot of them are also wanting to extend the number of days of their visits here. Proof that they are probably enjoying the places and their stay here, therefore deciding that it would be worth the extension in number of days of visit. It is pleasure-filling to know that tourists feel comfortable enough to stay among us Filipinos despite the things and stories that are pulling our country downward, they don't become all paranoid and judgmental by deciding not to visit at all or doing their best to avoid coming to our country at all costs. I hope that by doing so, they see how beautiful are country really is and encourage other people from different countries to come and visit.



                      The increase in tourists in our country not only helps in building up our reputation, but it also helps in our country's economy in more ways than one. The amount they pay for visiting, the places they would be staying in, the places they decide to visit, and even the food they eat contribute to the total earnings of our country considering how long the tourists stay here. There are even some who set up their businesses here, and so they stay for a long of period of time, or even decide to live here permanently, that is also a great help to our country and economy. I then feel grateful when I see new stores or businesses by foreigners opening up here because I somehow feel that these people are growing at ease towards us Filipinos and living in our country, that they entrust and encourage us to also have an appreciation for the things they are open to sharing to us by means of the products they sell and businesses they offer. Isn't that just another something to be proud of as a Filipino citizen?


                      News of the increase in tourists and their decisions of extending their visits is certainly good to hear for us citizens. I know the government and a lot of Filipinos in different areas of the country are doing their best to attract more visitors because in doing so, a lot of good is brought upon us. I'm hoping that through the years, the number of foreign people will still grow more in number because it's also for the betterment of us citizens and the place we are living in. I'm hoping that even though I'm still a student, I could find ways to attract tourists towards the Philippines by way doing small things to promote the beauty of our country.