PLAYERS in the country’s hospitality and wellness (HW) sector are currently consolidating their efforts to prepare for the influx of tourists, beginning with the establishment of the HW Pilipinas one-stop shop.
Dr. Rashmi Tolentino Singh, president of the HW Pilipinas, said the facility will cater to the needs and concerns of the hospitality and wellness industries that include personal care, furniture, furnishings, interior design, architecture and other related services.
Sergio Ortiz-Luis, president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, said the hospitality and wellness industries should gear up so they could support the heightened campaign to boost tourism in the country, anchored on the new tourism slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”
He said the 10-million target for tourist arrivals this year can be achieved.
“This spells huge opportunities for medical tourism and health and wellness sector in terms of sales and exposure of products and services,” Luis said.
On the export front, Ortiz-Luis said the world market for the sector is estimated to be worth at least “$100 billion for bulk ingredients and $1 trillion for natural products, both food and non-food.”
Luis said there are already encouraging signs coming from the consumers.
“People are getting conscious of their well-being now regardless of class. Aside from going to the salons or spas, people also take food supplements,” he said.
Singh said the industry has already submitted a list of projects that can possibly use promotion funds through the Export Development Council (EDC).
Singh said the sector is bound to benefit from these projects and “all we have to do is get our acts together.”
The EDC is now lining up projects that are aligned with the Philippine Export Development Plan for funding. These projects are expected to create immediate positive impact.
(Max V. de Leon)
source: http://www.BusinessMirror.com.ph/ by Max V. De Leon / Sunday, February 05th, 2012
