Marcos: PH tourism made 'impressive recovery' after COVID-19 pandemic

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the performance of the country's tourism industry on Saturday following the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the inauguration of Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, Marcos said that ''the Philippine tourism and hospitality industry [has] made an impressive recovery.''

''We have slowly started to witness how hotels, restaurants, recreational amenities, and tourist spots have slowly but surely risen to the challenge of travel resurgence, welcoming 5.45 million inbound tourists in 2023. This is more than double the 2.65 million visitors recorded in 2022,'' he said.

''And that’s why I am very happy to be here with you this evening as we inaugurate the Solaire Resort North, which will be another [game-changer in the] global hospitality industry.''

Marcos said Solaire Resort North, which ''features not only first-class amenities but also world-class Filipino talent, is going further to raise the country’s image on the international stage.''

''With Solaire Resort North hiring more than 4,000 Filipino employees, this will not only boost our economy but will also empower our people to reach their full potential,'' he added.

Solaire Resort North offers not only rooms and suites but also restaurants, bars, and gaming areas.

Marcos noted how the gaming industry provided employment to thousands of Filipinos and generated revenues for the government.

''The revenues from these ventures [provided] huge funding for the operations of government agencies such as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, the Philippine Sports Commission, [and] the Dangerous Drugs Board,'' he said.

''It redounds to the implementation of the Universal Health Care, Early Childhood Care and Development Fund, Integrated Sports Development Program, the National Endowment for Culture and Arts, and the establishment and operation of adequate drug rehabilitation centers,'' he added.

''With this, I am confident that the Solaire Resort North is all set to take these successes to an even higher level.'' —VBL, GMA Integrated News