By Dean M. Bernardo, eTN Manila.

Manila, the Philippines (21 June 2017) – UNWTO – Marcio Favilla, the Executive Director for Operational Programmes and Institutional Relations of the United Nations World Tourism Organization praised and thanked the Philippine government for hosting the three-day “International Conference on Tourism Statistics for Sustainable Development.”

During a press conference at the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City, Mr. Favilla highlighted the beauty and potentials of the Philippines, an example of a prime destination for travellers.
He added that the conference, where nearly sixty delegate countries – tourism and statistics ministers all over the world was sending a “political message” to everyone of their support for the Philippines.

The country is currently facing an armed siege in its southern island of Mindanao from a group claiming allegiance to the extremist group Da’esh or ‘Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’ or ISIS. The group continues to sow terror in the City of Marawi, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of soldiers, civilians and extremists.
UNWTO Regional Director for the Asia-Pacific region Xu Jing added that holding the conference in the Philippines is a demonstration of support to the country and for other nations facing similar conflicts.

Favilla added that nations facing domestic troubles should not be isolated. He called these actions as a “double whammy” – where countries are hurt by domestic problems and hurt again by travel advisories against visiting the troubled country.