Undoubtedly, one of the industries that has been most negatively impacted by the

COVID-19 pandemic is the tourism sector. Millions of employment are at stake due to
border closures, airport and hotel closures, limits on land travel, large gatherings, and
related services worldwide. According to Kalonda, H. (2023), COVID-19 has harmed
lives and businesses locally, regionally, and globally, saying worldwide. Covid-19's
impact on the tourism sector increased unemployment rate, poverty, household
vulnerability due to income loss, and job losses in transportation, travel agencies, tour
guides, accommodation, food supply, and other sectors. In short, the fall of the tourism
industry affected the economy as a whole, especially in countries like the Philippines that
rely on it. (Impact of COVID-19 on Philippines Tourism Industry: Macroeconomic and
Microeconomic Implications- Heritier Kalonda, Journal of Economics, Finance and
Accounting Studies)

Given the article cited, I do agree with the article on WTTC that our tourism and
economy is slowly recovering now that the pandemic has subsided. Seeing that malls are
now open, streets are even more busy, and non-stop flights from local and international
airways.

As the pandemic has caused everyone to isolate themselves in their own houses, and
some at the hotels they were stucked in, the country’s main contributions to the economy
have suffered a severe damage. Losses, layoffs and closures were among the many
terrible repercussions, but as the Philippines and the world began to open up and
eliminate border restrictions, the economy has also begun to expand faster.

The tourism industry has been one of the major drivers of economic growth for the
country, in accordance to Inquirer.net. In an Economic Impact Report by the World
Travel & Tourism Council, the Philippines’ tourism sector was reported to have had a
22.5-percent contribution to the total economy ($92.6 billion) pre-pandemic. Travel
restrictions caused this to plunge to 4.8 percent. In 2021, the report said the travel sector
was showing signs of recovery, as it posted a 10.4-percent share in the economy. In
addition, the International Air Transport Association projected the Philippines’ overall
passenger numbers to improve by up to 83 percent this 2022, and up to 94 percent in
2023, and more than 100 percent in 2024. In the domestic space, they see better numbers,
at 93 percent improvement in passenger numbers for 2022, 103 percent in 2023, and 111
percent by 2024. (projectrebound.inquirer.net)

According to DOT’s studies, trends are leaning towards high interest in multipurpose
travel—that is, destinations wherein both remote work and leisure are possible. This trend
has also been evident in real estate, as the past two years have seen more people begin
investing in homes that offer open spaces, but still retaining access to amenities,
according to AboitizLand president David Rafael. Travel has become like a basic need,
Rafael added, and with new work and lifestyle trends brought about by the pandemic,
property choices have evolved, too.
The work-from-home trend has made it possible for an increasing number of Filipinos to
live outside of major cities and business districts. These individuals have chosen to settle
in "urban rural" areas, which offer a quality of life that is distinct from that of densely
populated, highly metropolitan areas, along with a balance of connectivity and
accessibility.

The Philippines has become the top Asian destination for summer travel for tourists in
Europe, according to Tourism Promotions Board deputy chief operating officer for
marketing and promotions Charles Bautista. And while beaches remain a top destination
even among local travelers, the various tourism organizations are also acting on the need
to offer something new. (projectrebound.inquirer.net)

Since the pandemic changed people's travel habits, preferences, and styles, travel
agencies, tour operators, and other tourism professionals also need to consider how they
can enable new experiences.The experts pointed out that lesser-known, off-the-beaten-
path locations are emerging as the new hot spots for domestic travel. Immersion in local
customs and cuisine, as well as activities exclusive to a province or area, enhance the
appeal. These locations have one thing in common: they are all easily accessible by land
and have lots of open space.
‘
Another trend linked to the rise in popularity of previously unknown areas is "revenge
tourism." Travelers are increasingly looking to experience the opposite of what they were
deprived of during the previous years' lockdowns, which is why they are becoming more
interested in nature destinations, cultural immersions, and trying out various culinary
options. It is anticipated that frequently disregarded tourist routes will gain popularity
after the pandemic. The inquiry has brought attention to farm tourism, which has been
around for a while but is gradually experiencing a comeback as a result of people's
increased interest in slow living, nature and open spaces, and health and wellbeing.

While hotels, restaurants, and incoming aircraft plainly suggest that the tourism is swiftly
regaining its pre-COVID vitality, Filipinos should not be fooled into assuming that the
pandemic is over. COVID-19 remains a hazard, as the Department of Health (DOH) is
implying. Reasonable caution should always be used because new and more transmissible
strains might come arise, and justify the reinstatement of strict protocols such as strict
quarantines and face shields. Basic and easy-to-follow health and sanitation procedures
should stay in place to protect ourselves and others from catching the virus that causes
COVID-19 as well as other diseases. These include the thorough washing of hands,
wearing a face mask when appropriate, and voluntarily isolating one’s self or modifying
travel arrangements when symptoms appear. It is unacceptable to conceal information
regarding a visitor's health if they are coming to travel.

The Philippines will benefit from having the best of both worlds: a tourism industry that
is strong and quickly recovering from the pandemic's damages, and a COVID-19
situation that is firmly under control—if we take steps to keep our house in order and
remain vigilant about the virus's lingering threats.