DoT-BI teamwork works wonders for tourism industry

The teamwork between the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has done wonders for the tourism industry as latest statistics showed the number of foreigners who arrived in the country increased by four percent in August compared to the same month last year despite the global economic crisis.

Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said the aggressive marketing approach taken by Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano in propagating the Philippines as world-class tourist spot and the innovative scheme being implemented by the BI contributed to the increase in foreigner arrivals.

Statistics show some 461,000 foreigners arrived last month, up by 18,141 over those who came here in August 2008.

From January to August, 3.95 million foreigners arrived, compared to the 3.943 million who visited the country in the same period last year.

Libanan lauded Durano for his innovative approach in providing a comprehensive planning framework for the development of tourism, particularly in turning various places in the provinces into prime tourist destinations.

As for the BI, Libanan said the bureau has continuously wooed foreign visitors through its pioneering programs like the visa issuance made simple (VIMS), pre-arranged visa upon arrival and the special visa for employment generation (SVEG).

The programs, he said, has made it easier for foreigners to stay in the country and even do business or work here.

Statistics also show Americans topped the list of aliens who arrived during the eight-month period with 460,514 arrivals, followed by South Koreans who numbered 364,304.

Also on the top 10 list were Japanese, 220,833; Chinese, 146,361; Australians, 84,967; Britons, 81,699; Canadians, 75,883; Taiwanese, 57,281; Malaysians, 45,555, and Singaporeans, 41,521.

In 2008, Americans also topped the list with 310,343; South Koreans, 269,181; Japanese, 163,666; Chinese, 99,056; Australians, 55,580; Canadians, 55, 023; Britons, 54,021; Taiwanese, 48,065; Malaysians, 28,353, and Germans, 27,010.

“With the success of our team-up with the DoT, we are hopeful that more foreigners will visit the country in the remaining months of 2009,” Libanan said.  –Conrado Ching, Daily Tribune