There is good news to look forward to in our tourism landscape. The first one is the application of United Air Lines, a US based company; and Jet Airways, an India based company to have flights in our country.

This positive action happens despite complaints against our country for charging discriminatory tax policy favoring our local airlines. I only imagine how many airlines will seek application to have flights in our country if this tax is removed. Now that is an open skies policy that will push us at the center of tourism and no more the best kept secret of Asia.

Another is the planned casino and shopping mall to be opened this 2012 at the Subic Bay Freeport.  This will boost the tourism that is already stronger at Subic.

Last but not the least, is the appointment of Secretary Ramon Jimenez, I think his character gels well with the needs of the industry. He is an advertising and marketing guy that is so capable of marketing the Philippines to the world.

So it seems things are looking-up to our tourism industry and if the tourism congress that is upcoming this September creates a united front then there is no doubt that we will again be on our way to claiming our lost glory in Asia.