The Philippines is eyeing to have special tourism court to handle tourism-related cases.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) earlier proposed the establishment of the special courts to expedite the resolution of cases involving tourists in the Philippines.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco first floated the idea of “24/7 tourist courts” during a recent sectoral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañang.
“We’re currently collaborating with the Department of Justice and the judiciary department to establish a 24-hour tourist court for the resolution of crimes related to our tourists,” Frasco announced during a briefing for the proposed budget of the DOT for the 2025 fiscal year at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.The DOT is also beefing up police forces across strategic locations, primarily in areas with a high concentration of tourists.
More police to aid tourism court
Over 8,000 police personnel under the department’s Tourist Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection program have been trained.
The agency has also trained 270 barangay tanod and barangay intelligence network as police multipliers.
“Being a [former] mayor nga po, alam natin na hindi naman enough ‘yung number of police to the actual population, kaya naman po in-expand natin ‘yung program na ito na isasali na natin sa training ‘yung barangay tanod and barangay intelligence network multipliers (we know that the number of police to the actual population is not enough that is why we are expanding this program that we will include the barangay tanod and barangay intelligence network multipliers in the training),” she added.
Philippine tourism at a glance
The Philippines has registered a total of 3,860,730 international visitors, of which 92.05 percent or 3,553,720 are foreigners, while the remaining 7.95 percent or 307,010 are overseas Filipinos, as of Aug. 19.
The top 10 source markets are South Korea, the United States of America, Japan, China, Australia, Taiwan, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Notable tourism trends in the Philippines
The Philippines has witnessed a significant surge in tourism in recent years, driven by various factors.
Here are some key trends:
1. Sustainable tourism:
Eco-tourism: A growing emphasis on preserving natural environments and promoting sustainable practices.
Community-based tourism: Involving local communities in tourism activities to generate income and preserve cultural heritage.
2. Digital nomads and remote workers:
Co-working spaces: The rise of co-working spaces and digital nomad hubs in major cities.
Long-stay visas: Government initiatives to attract digital nomads and remote workers.
3. Wellness and retreat tourism:
Wellness retreats: Increasing popularity of wellness retreats offering yoga, meditation, and spa treatments.
Health tourism: Seeking medical treatments and procedures in the Philippines.
4. Adventure and outdoor activities:
Hiking and trekking: Growing interest in exploring the country’s mountains and natural landscapes.
Water sports: Surfing, diving, and snorkeling in the Philippines’ pristine waters.
Overall, the Philippines is well-positioned to capitalize on these tourism trends and continue to attract visitors from around the world. The country’s natural beauty, diverse culture, and friendly people make it a popular destination for travelers seeking unique and unforgettable experiences.
Source: PNA. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231663
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