The document discusses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. It notes that tourism is the largest and fastest growing industry worldwide, but has been hugely impacted by travel bans during the pandemic. Specifically, it discusses how tourism is the primary industry in Siargao Island and the lockdown has transformed it into a "ghost town". It also argues that overdependence on tourism is not good for local economies and that diversifying industries would make them more sustainable and resilient to economic crises. The document advocates for more sustainable forms of tourism like ecotourism to protect the environment.
The document discusses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. It notes that tourism is the largest and fastest growing industry worldwide, but has been hugely impacted by travel bans during the pandemic. Specifically, it discusses how tourism is the primary industry in Siargao Island and the lockdown has transformed it into a "ghost town". It also argues that overdependence on tourism is not good for local economies and that diversifying industries would make them more sustainable and resilient to economic crises. The document advocates for more sustainable forms of tourism like ecotourism to protect the environment.
The document discusses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. It notes that tourism is the largest and fastest growing industry worldwide, but has been hugely impacted by travel bans during the pandemic. Specifically, it discusses how tourism is the primary industry in Siargao Island and the lockdown has transformed it into a "ghost town". It also argues that overdependence on tourism is not good for local economies and that diversifying industries would make them more sustainable and resilient to economic crises. The document advocates for more sustainable forms of tourism like ecotourism to protect the environment.
1. Being the biggest and the fastest growing industry in the
world, the tourism sector is the biggest loser in today’s pandemic where travel is totally banned. The travel (Tourism) industry stoppage has affected the air, water and land transportation industries. Tourism – related establishments like hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants, pubs, diners, entertainments have suffered great losses. The two – month stagnation due to lockdown/quarantine policies have impacted to the huge loss in the tourism industry.
2. Tourism is the primary industry and revenue earner activity
in Siargao Island. The economy of the communities there depends on the travel/Tourist receipts. Tourism created employment opportunities and other income generating enterprises. The lockdown and quarantine policies have transformed the island into a ghost town, almost. The locals have learned in this pandemic, that total dependence on tourism is not good in the local economy.
3. Too much dependence on one industry like, tourism, is not
good to the local economy. The local governments should diversify their economy to be able to cushion the effects of the economic crisis. This pandemic is an eye – opener to rediscover other industries which were not given priorities, but are more sustainable and within their capacities to engage with. After this pandemic, new industries will be discovered and new normal style will be adopted to be more sustainable.
4. Muslim countries are not open to interact with tourists
because of socio – cultural restrictions. Tourism can influence local culture, custom and tradition which the conservative countries are not open ready to sacrifice. The Islam plays a major role in strict Muslim countries. It inhibits them to embrace on other socio – cultural practices of tourism.
5. Tourism, especially mass or commercial one, has huge
impacts on the environment. The temporary closure of Boracay and some beaches, are necessary to allow these places to breath, recover and cleanse the environment. After the closure, some measures were adapted like considering the carrying capacities of these destinations, so not to compromise their environmental integrity.
6. Tourism in the Philippines, is the second dollar earner in
the country. It is a promising industry. Countries like those in Europe, Asia and South America depend much on tourism receipts. To make the industry sustainable, tourism products should be diversified, Ecotourism like farm – tourism, cultural tourism, religious tourism, sports tourism and food tourism should be encouraged and promoted. These kinds of tourism do not destroy the environment but protect and preserve it.