President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday met with tourism industry stakeholders to counter the negative effects of the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV) and to promote the country’s tourism sector to local tourists.

The President wants Filipinos to visit the country’s local tourist destinations to boost the industry in the midst of the coronavirus scare. The 2019 nCoV has affected more than a dozen countries around the world.

The Philippine tourism industry has a lot to offer, the President said, stressing that the country has good public health and law and order situation. Local tourist spots are also readily accessible, he added.

The President also said that some of the country’s major airlines and hotels agreed to offer discounted rates to the public to make a viable market for tourists. At the same time, he expressed optimism that like other epidemics, the 2019 nCoV will eventually be contained.

Among those who attended the meeting at the SMX Convention Center at the MOA Complex in Pasay City were Philippine Hotel Owners Association President Arthur Lopez, AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricardo Isla, Philippine Airlines President Gilbert Santamaria, and Cebu Pacific Air President and CEO Lance Gokongwei.

Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato, and Tourism Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking were also present. PND