Script

Maribeth & Mayo: Good day everyone and welcome to the (Name of tv show)

Mayo: I’m Jose

Maribeth: And I’m Maribeth, We will explain the impact of COVID 19 on our country and the
state of the tourism industry today compared to previous years.

Maribeth:

The Philippine tourism industry continues to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, as
reflected in the 73 percent drop in foreign visitor arrivals for the first seven months of 2020 from
the same period last year.
Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon said the performance was down from 4,852,107
international tourists recorded during the same months in 2019. Tourism revenue dipped 72% to
PHP81 billion.
With virtually no foreigners visiting the country, Bengzon is optimistic local travel could fill in
the gaps once tourism activities fully resume and local destinations reopen.
Mayo:

The country had a stellar performance in 2019 with 8.3 million tourist arrivals and PHP550.2bn
in international tourism receipts. Latest estimates show that 2020 tourist arrivals and
international tourism receipts will go down to 3.9 million and PHP279.5bn, respectively.

Many businesses are banking on government subsidies and grants as additional funding.
Recovering from the pandemic, to help recover from the pandemic, 78% of the respondents say
that they need up to PHP5m in additional funding to help normalize their operations. Majority
say that they need such funds for working capital requirements, marketing fund to rebuild their
brands, and refinancing.

Maribeth: And that’s all for today. Again I’m Maribeth

Mayo: And I’m Jose

Maribeth and Mayo: Have a nice day and stay safe.