RP tourism has recovered: Lim

THOUGH some tourists from Hong Kong were lost after the hostage drama at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim believes the country has recovered from the backlash.

Lim, who was in Cebu to attend the Philippine Russian Business Forum yesterday, said that other markets have compensated for the loss of tourists from Hong Kong.

Lim noted that Russians, Indians and tourists from the Middle East have visited the country.

While he admitted they come from farther nations, he pointed out that tourists from these countries stay longer and spend more.

By the end of the year, Lim said they hope to increase the number of foreign tourists to 3.3 million.

Currently, the Koreans dominate the number of foreign tourists. He added that Cebu is a top market for them.

He noted that the country is attractive for this market because it is a short distance from Korea and they can learn English here.

He also added that the Imperial Palace resort in Mactan is owned by a Korean firm and they have their own tour operators based here.

Lim said Cebu has many advantages for tourism such as direct flights to key areas. He said there is room for more direct flights to more international destinations.

He said though that there is a need to address some problems in infrastructure, energy, and water supply.