DOT endorses P20 million in investments

by Sheila Crisostomo
http://www.philstar .com/Article. aspx?articleId= 451183&publicationSubCate\ goryId=63


The Department of Tourism (DOT) yesterday endorsed more than P20 million worth of tourism-related investments for 2009 that are expected to generate some 3,000 jobs for Filipinos.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said these investments will also create more than 2,000 rooms, boosting efforts to promote tourism.

"With this initial list of investments, the country is assured of a vibrant tourism industry, with bigger revenues and more jobs. And consequently, these will lead to developments in transportation and road infrastructure, " he said.

The tourism projects include nine resorts, six hotels, two theme parts and one condotel or condominium- hotel.

Durano added that for the first quarter, the establishments that opened were Park Bed & Breakfast Hotel and Restaurant (48 rooms) in Pasay; Sugihara Villa Resort, Vauban Villa Resort, Salamanca Villa Resort, Almonavides Villa Resort, La Galice Villa Resort, Kapangyarihan Villa Resort, and La Pucelle Villa Resort-Amanpulo group in Pamalican Island, Palawan (28 cluster villas); Oakwood Serviced Residences (232 rooms) in Pasig; Imperial Palace Water Park Resort and Spa (616 rooms) in Cebu; and Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa (217 rooms).

To open in the coming months are Discovery Bay Misibis, Manila Ocean Park (additional facilities), Picasso Serviced Residences, Newport Marriot Hotel, Maxim's Hotel, Microtel Inns and Suite Puerto Princesa, and Silang Wakeboard Park.

At present, the DOT is processing the investment of Bella Roca Island Resort and Spa in Marinduque.

According to DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr., the jobs that will be generated from the projects is seen to augment the rise in unemployment in these challenging times.

As a policy, tourism-related businesses can apply for income tax holiday for four to six years and duty-free importation of selected capital equipment needed for the operation upon registration with the Bureau of Investments.