ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / May 27, 2013) – The Philippines has been awarded the “New Frontiers Award 2013” at this year’s Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism exhibition, Filipino tourism officials said Monday.
Officials said the New Frontiers Award became the main feature of the ATM and is given to destinations that have surmounted great adversity to rebound its tourism industries.
The award also gives tribute to the resilience of local communities to rebuild their lives, as well as bring attention to the crisis management and risk reduction practices of local authorities. It is the only citation extended during the event.
The Philippines was shortlisted, together with New York State (Hurricane Sandy) and Pakistan (2012 floods), among an original list of 10 nominees for outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity.
“The Philippines, its government and its people, has shown remarkable fortitude and a stoic determination to get both communities and the local economy back on track following the devastation wreaked by Typhoon Bopha late last year, and their resilience in the face of such a monumental crisis is commendable,” Mark Walsh said in a statement sent by the Department of Tourism to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon, Jr., who led the Philippine delegation to ATM, received the award from Walsh, the Portfolio Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions.
The crystal trophy came along with free exhibition space at the ATM worth $10,000. The delegation was composed of 14 organizations representing nine tour operators, four hotel and resort companies, and one airline company.
The award, Bengzon said, is in recognition of the continuing efforts to rebuild infrastructure and the tourism economy after Typhoon Pablo (international code name Bopha) wrought havoc in the Philippines in December last year.
The catastrophe is deemed the world’s deadliest, leaving millions of people homeless and infrastructure and agricultural farms vastly damaged.
“The Philippine government, under the administration of President Aquino and the Department of Tourism have worked hand-in-hand to establish tourism as a major generator of income for the people and the country. At times of adversity, such as this, the determined spirit of our countrymen, supported by assistance from the international community, shines through and, it is this same spirit that is driving our tourism industry forward,” Bengzon said.
The first quarter arrivals from the Middle East region recorded a 22.1% gain over the same period last year. “We intend to attract more of the high-spending market from this region. Service providers are optimistic of the continued uptrend and are investing to take advantage of this windfall. Cebu Pacific has launched its first long-haul flight to Dubai to commence in October. Other airlines are to announce their services within the year,” he said.
Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said the award highlights the sheer resilience of the Filipino people and the resolve of all stakeholders to fast track recovery.
“We also are very thankful to the many countries and international agencies with their generosity to help in our rebuilding efforts. Our record-breaking performance and new highs of the industry clearly indicate that our partnerships are bearing fruit. Despite these crises, we remain undaunted and focused in showing our visitors that we are worth visiting,” Jimenez said in the same statement.
“Indeed, what makes the Philippines more fun is its people. The Bayanihan spirit, amplified during crisis, is a unique social phenomenon that will forever drive the Filipinos to remain steadfast and dependent on each other for strength, through good times and bad. That in the midst of great challenges, we still manage to put on a happy face,” he added.
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