Manila: The Senate Committee on Tourism will convene on February 3 to examine the high cost of domestic airfares and the persistent infrastructure gaps as part of a review of the implementation of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP). Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, who chairs the committee, announced the inquiry's focus on evaluating whether the current transport facilities and tourism infrastructure development are effectively supporting affordable domestic travel and promoting long-term growth in the sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, the review will be conducted under Senate Resolution No. 257, which was filed by Ejercito. The investigation aims to assess the NTDP's implementation and identify the gaps that hinder competitiveness, accessibility, and the overall tourist experience. Ejercito emphasized the importance of prioritizing sound infrastructure for tourism progress and addressing the disparity in travel costs between domestic and international destinations.

The NTDP, launched in 2023, seeks to enhance tourism infrastructure and accessibility, improve visitor experience, diversify tourism products, and foster better coordination among national and local stakeholders. Despite improvements in visitor arrivals and domestic tourism spending, Ejercito highlighted ongoing challenges. He pointed out that weaknesses in airports, seaports, road networks, and basic tourist facilities continue to inflate the cost of domestic travel, discouraging Filipinos from exploring local destinations.

Ejercito stressed that when airfare to neighboring countries like Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, or Hong Kong is cheaper than traveling within the Philippines, it indicates systemic issues that need to be addressed to boost the competitiveness and appeal of the country's tourism sector.