Collateral damage from the flood control corruption scandal has also hit hotels and private event venues this Christmas season, even as the tourism and hospitality sector is already struggling with low tourist arrivals.
Government sources admit that there has been a general directive for various government offices to refrain from “extravagant” or “unnecessary” parties this Christmas. Thus, various government offices that used to hold their traditional Christmas parties in hotels or in private event venues are now being told to look for alternative outlets.
Government agencies and offices are being asked to seek and prioritize government properties first, and if there is no suitable government property or facility available, the agency or office must justify why the government property is not available and why they have to rent orseek private venues or alternatives.
A list of the alternative choices must also be made and published.
Likewise, sources said, a cap has also been put on the budget for Christmas parties.
Government procurement procedures require the conduct of a competitive bidding for the event contractor or the hotel or restaurant.
Hotels, event venues andproviders are, thus, apprehensive of losing a lucrative holiday revenue stream this year with the continued fallout from the flood control corruption probe being conducted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI, which is not expected to conclude its investigation soon, even as Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon has hinted at the possibility that an announcement may be made before the year ends.
Economic observers had pointed out early on in the flood control probe, initially done by the Senate and the House of Representatives, that corruption helped fuel the economic growth posted by the country in previous years.
But with the exposure of massive corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the consequent clamp down on future public infrastructure, business sectors that enjoyed the flow of corruption-related spending have seen a downturn in their earnings.
Luxury goods and high-end property developers have noted a drop in demand as buyers avoid any unwanted attention or criticism.
The hotel and hospitality sector has already been lamenting the continuing inability of the government to first and foremost improve transportation connectivity in our island nation to increase tourist and visitor arrivals to the country, even without the added negativity about government corruption that is now also beginning to affect what would ordinarily be a yearend holiday merry-making activity.
Hotel and hospitality veterans have repeatedly argued that the Philippines’ lack of reliable, efficient and quick connectivity is the major turnoff for foreign tourists who, instead, opt to visit neighboring Asian countries which are able to provide the efficient air, sea and land connectivity needed to visit and explore their destinations.
The lack of connectivity contributes to higher cost for visitors and tourists, and also exposes foreign visitors to unscrupulous vendors or fraudulent providers, thus, further ruining the reputation of the Philippines to other foreign tourists.
Even domestic tourists, who are supposed to be the backbone of our local tourism industry, sometimes opt to visit our more modern, transport-efficient and well-connected neighbors such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan instead of exploring our own country.
Hotel Christmas countdowns
The Philippines is known to have the longest Christmas celebration which starts as soon as the -ber months roll in, as the Philippine retail sector hypes up the gift-giving spirit of the holiday season.
Local malls come out early with the tinsel and twinkly Christmas lights and creative, colorful and competitive decor to attract Filipinos to start their Christmas shopping for family, friends, officemates and to thank people who have been supportive throughout the year.
But despite the early selling gimmicks by September, the true Christmas countdown begins in earnest only when the Christmas tree in established hotels begins to light up.
Among the early Christmas tree lighters this year is the Gokongwei-owned Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria in Ortigas Business Center, with no less than Lance Gokongwei helping switch on the twin hotel’s sustainable Christmas trees last Monday.
Lance was actually quite early and eager to switch on the Christmas tree lights ahead of the 6 p.m. invitation. He stayed long enough to talk and pose for photos with the children beneficiaries and guests who were invited to the event.
This year’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, according to Patria Puyat, cluster general manager of Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn, celebrates the theme of “Sparkle with Hope,’ which symbolizes light and resilience amid the many crises and natural disasters the world continues to face.
The tree lighting, Puyat said, encourages guests to find and share hope, a reminder that even in challenging times, the human spirit can still shine bright.
The two hotels have also partnered with Project PEARLS for their toy drive and the “Art for Peace” initiative by featured artist Wendy Rondaris, benefiting underprivileged children.
According to Pat Puyat, “As the world faces many challenges, from natural calamities to global uncertainties, this season reminds us that light will always find a way to shine. Our celebration today is not just about lighting our Christmas trees, but also about igniting hope within our communities. May every sparkle remind us that kindness and compassion can light up the world.”