“ALL hands on deck.”

Ito ang sinabi ni Senator Nancy Binay kasabay ng panawagan na dapat maigting ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng Department of Tourism sa mga pribadong sector para matiyak na maging maayos ang pag-host ng Pilipinas sa FIBA Basketball World Cup sa sususnod na taon.

Sinabi ng senadora na magandang pagkakataon ang ligang ito upang higit na mapalakas ng DOT ang kampanya sa turismo.

“On the part of government, it would be best if the DOT takes the lead in engaging strategic partnerships with the private sector. As a kickstarter, and as early as now, they can already help in promoting the FIBA games in collaboration with hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and provide promo packages and other incentives to attract visitors and tourists. Pwede na mag-set-up ng information desks sa hotels and airports. Dapat looking forward na tayo sa posibleng tourism receipts na madi-generate ng games,” ani Binay.

Ang Pilipinas ay co-host ng Japan at Indonesia para sa 2023 FIBA Basketball League.

Kauna-unahan sa kasaysayan ng FIBA na sama-samang maging host ang iba’t ibang bansa para sa inaabangang ligan a gaganapin mula August hanggang September 2023.

“While this is a private sector-led endeavor, the government should still not be remiss in ensuring that we have the capacity to absorb the expected influx of tourists who will come to watch the games. We expect DOT to deliver a unique high-value experience sa mga foreign tourists na manonood ng FIBA World Cup. We want our visitors to extend their stay even after the games, and want to come back dahil nag-enjoy sila sa Pilipinas,” wika pa ni Binay.

Sinabi ng mambabatas na dapat mag-convene ang inter-agency council at pribadong sector para maiwasan ang anumang problema, kabiguan o kapalpakan.

“This is a good opportunity to show that the Philippines is back on the tourism map. Siyempre, since FIBA is the biggest international tournament for basketball, ayaw nating mapahiya. We must at all costs avoid a national embarrassment that we may have to endure because of haphazard planning,” sabi pa niya.

Naniniwala si Binay na napakagandang oportunidad sa merkado na ma-promote nang husto ang magagandang tourist spot ng Pilipinas.

“After being stunted by the pandemic, the FIBA 2023 hosting is a good way to show the world that the Philippines is back on its feet, and that we are ready to showcase amazing new destinations.

With still a year leading to the games, the big names and stars in basketball are already a big plus in advertising and promotions. As a basketball nation, tayong mga Pinoy na mismo ang best tourism ambassadors,” sabat pa ng senadora.

Samantala, napapanahon din aniya na makipag-ugnayan ang DOT sa Department of Transportation (DOTr) upang matiyak na maayos din paghahanda para sa mga pangunahing pasilidad sa transportasyon, particular na ang mga Airports, tolls, maging ang mga sasakyang bus at mga shuttles ng mga manlalaro. Upang matiyak din na magiging maayos ang daloy ng trapiko.