by Senator Francis Tolentino
‘TOL VIEWS
Many studies have actually proven that travel, leisure and recreation is a vital human activity that is not only beneficial to human health and wellness but is likewise essential to establishing a vibrant and sustainable economy. The restrictions on people’s mobility during the pandemic, keeping them locked down inside their homes, impinged greatly on the people’s physical and mental health. Vaccines and boosters have indeed done well to increase physical immunity. Leisure and travel, on the other hand, are viewed as antidotes to the mental impacts resulting from the Covid-19 virus.
Local holidays open opportunities for people to travel, relax, and enjoy time with family, friends and loved ones. These occasional breaks from the usual daily work schedule of people are often happily anticipated for the respite they bring, no matter how short or temporary these breathers may be. Vacation and travel create a chain reaction which impact domestic tourism and local economy. Last year, revenues derived from tourism were at ₱208.96 billion. Similarly, tourism-related jobs were recorded approximately at 5.23 million in 2022. With Covid-19 now endemic, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is positive that all tourism related statistics – from arrivals to expenditures – will exceed even pre-pandemic heights in 2023.
