CAGAYAN de Oro City — Tourism growth should bring jobs and livelihood opportunities to local communities without damaging the natural and cultural heritage that attracts visitors, the Philippine Statistics Authority-10 (PSA-10) said, stressing the need for reliable data in local tourism planning.
PSA-10 Regional Director Janith Aves said tourism statistics can help local governments assess the industry's economic contribution, identify livelihood opportunities and determine whether tourism benefits host communities.
“Reliable statistics are essential in guiding tourism development, helping policymakers assess the industry’s economic impact, identify livelihood opportunities, and protect natural and cultural heritage,” Aves said during the Oct. 12 Kapihan sa PIA.
Her remarks came as the agency led the observance of the 37th National Statistics Month (NSM) this October.
This year's theme, “Tuklas Pilipinas: Statistics as a Beacon Towards Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Tourism,” highlights the role of official data in making tourism development more inclusive and sustainable.
Beyond counting tourist arrivals
Aves said tourism statistics should go beyond visitor arrivals. Data on employment and businesses, when analyzed alongside tourist numbers, can help local officials determine whether tourism creates jobs, supports local enterprises and generates income for residents.
These figures can also help authorities identify concerns involving visitor safety, waste generation and pressure on natural resources.
For communities that depend on tourism, such information can guide decisions on infrastructure, environmental protection and livelihood programs. It can also help officials identify gaps between rising visitor numbers and the benefits received by local residents.
However, collecting statistics is only one part of the process. Local governments must also use the findings to set priorities, monitor results and determine whether tourism programs are delivering benefits to communities while protecting destinations.
Data for local tourism planning
The PSA provides statistical resources, including the Household Survey on Domestic Visitors and the Philippine Tourism Satellite Account, which complement information from the Department of Tourism and local government units.
These resources can help policymakers assess tourism activity and its contribution to the economy when preparing development plans and public programs.
The annual National Statistics Month observance, held every October under Presidential Proclamation No. 647, promotes public awareness of official statistics and their role in national development.
The PSA encouraged government agencies, businesses and other stakeholders to use reliable data in developing tourism policies that support local livelihoods, promote inclusive growth and preserve destinations for future generations. (With a report from Jan Albert K. Araña/PIA-10)
