Explore the World with Philippine News Explorer

For more than a decade, Sorsogon’s main tourist attraction and chief economic driver has been the whale shark interaction. Tourists from around the world who seek the thrill of swimming and interacting with these gentle giants of the sea, locally known as “Butanding” the biggest fish in the world, which can grow to 18 meters long, they can weigh up to 40 tons and can live up to 100 years abounds off the shores of the laid-back town of Donsol to feed on plankton, krill and juvenile fish. Times Magazine dubbed it as the “Best Animal Interaction in Asia”.

Firefly Watching, is an enchanting experience wherein, one could witness the numerous male fireflies flashing lights to attract female. Local fishermen will quietly paddle you along Donsol river or Ugod River to be mesmerized by the dazzling display lights made by thousands of fireflies.

Just recently, the road connecting Donsol all the way to Jovellar and Pio Duran has been completed. This major road infrastructure is the result of the convergence project of the Department of Tourism and the Department of Public Works and Highways, with one significant goal, all constructions of road shall be leading to major tourist destinations. Accessibility and ease of travel provides our guests with a hassle-free experience. 

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The UK’s Travel & Tourism industry plays a critical role in the economy, directly employing as many people as the NHS and contributing £280 billion (10.3% of GDP) in 2024. It supports over 4.1 million jobs (11.3% of total employment) and generates approximately £100 billion annually in tax revenues. Despite this, successive governments have demonstrated limited interest in fostering the sector’s growth.

Globally, Travel & Tourism is projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.7% over the next decade, outpacing the global economy’s 2.4% growth rate. However, the UK is set to experience one of the slowest growth rates in international overnight arrivals among major European destinations.

Countries like Spain, Germany, and Italy have embedded Travel & Tourism into their core government policies, driving significant growth and competitiveness. Conversely, the UK is burdened by high VAT rates, increased Air Passenger Duty (APD), and the planned Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee hike from £10 to £16 per visitor. These measures risk diverting travelers to more affordable destinations.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said “The UK is at a critical juncture. The Government is looking for growth and its Travel & Tourism sector offers just that. As one of the country’s largest employers alongside the NHS, contributing £280BN to the UK economy last year, the sector has been misunderstood and poorly treated by successive governments.

“The Government cannot tax its way out of debt, it needs to invest to grow. UK taxes are higher than many of its competitors – VAT, no tax-free shopping, employers National Insurance, APD, and now a potential new hotel tax, making the UK expensive to operate in and expensive to visit. 

“Tourism promotion in the UK is chronically underinvested and it is arrogant to think tourists will always come to the UK. I applaud the initiative by the new Minister for Media, Tourism, & Creative Industries, Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant MP, to get leaders round the table at the Visitor Economy Advisory Council to tackle this and ensure Travel & Tourism can continue to be a major engine to economic growth. 

“The new government has a unique opportunity to change the trajectory of Travel & Tourism in the UK. Despite the industry’s resilience, years of government inertia are taking their toll. We welcome the new government’s commitment to surpassing 50 million visitors by 2030, but this can only be achieved with the right policies in place.”

Further challenges include:

• Underfunded Tourism Promotion: VisitBritain, the UK’s tourism board, receives less funding than counterparts in other countries, many of which benefit from double the investment.
• Loss of Tax-Free Shopping: The removal of tax-free shopping in 2021 has driven high-value travelers to alternative European destinations, costing the UK an estimated £3 billion annually.
• Proposed Hotel Tax: A potential nationwide “hotel tax” could deter visitors, reduce job opportunities, and discourage hotel investment.

The World Economic Forum’s 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index ranks the UK 113th out of 119 countries for price competitiveness. Contributing factors include high VAT, the absence of VAT-free shopping, rising aviation taxes, and high visa costs.

The UK’s dependence on US visitors—its largest inbound market in both 2019 and 2023—leaves the sector vulnerable to economic fluctuations and policy shifts in a single market. Diversifying source markets is critical to ensure resilience and sustainable growth.

Policymakers must act swiftly to address these systemic challenges. WTTC has outlined key recommendations to unlock the sector’s potential:

1. Enhance funding for VisitBritain to match global competitors.
2. Reintroduce tax-free shopping to attract high-spending international travelers.
3. Avoid implementing measures like the hotel tax that could deter tourists.
4. Focus on diversifying source markets to reduce reliance on a single region.

Travel & Tourism is not merely a cornerstone of the UK economy; it is a driver of job creation, regional development, and substantial tax revenue. The decisions made today will determine whether the UK remains a global tourism leader or cedes its position to more competitive destinations.