Boat builder-cum-entrepreneur Angelo Olondriz is urging the government to help private groups working to promote the country’s leisure boating industry, stressing that maritime tourism has the potential to become one of the economy’s main economic driver.
Olondriz noted that the Philippines has one of the world’s longest coastlines, with over 7,000 islands and a population that understands and speaks English. Thus, he said, the Philippines has near-perfect conditions to nurture a thriving leisure boating industry.
He lamented, however, that unlike neighboring Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Hong Kong, the country has a long way to go in order to make maritime tourism a major contributor to tourism.
Olondriz is asking the government to recognize the potential of the boating industry by granting incentives to private groups willing to build more marinas in the country.
“Marinas bring in the tourists and create jobs and livelihood for the people in the area,” he said. “The government doesn’t even have to build anything. They just have to incentivize. The private sector is going to do it,” he added.
“But what we hope the government can see is that it goes beyond that. We need to increase boat registrations. And for boat owners who want to register, we need the help of the government. Now more than ever, we must maximize not just our seas, but our rivers, lakes and other bodies of water, as well. Boats can help move things forward for the Philippines in more ways than you can imagine,” Olondriz said.
The president of Headsail Inc. is also pushing for more people to recognize the importance of boat travel.
“Imagine traveling from Manila to Makati in about 10 minutes. That’s possible with the Pasig River. Transportation of goods and people will become so much easier and more cost-efficient. We can finally provide
access to and drive the local economies of tourist destinations that, without boats, will be very hard to reach,” Olondriz pointed out.
Thus, he hopes the government will come up with an executive decision that will help build the foundation of creating an organized local boating industry. Moreover, Olondriz noted that a decision from the Executive branch could be a shot in the arm to put the maritime industry into greater heights.
The National Coast Watch Council Secretariat (NCWCS) has declared its support for this campaign and is assisting the group in securing the executive order.
Meanwhile, seasoned boater and associate of Headsail Inc., Rafael “Apa” Ongpin, cited the case of Thailand which started its maritime tourism some 20 years ago.
“Thailand is very similar to us. We have a much-bigger industry than they did back in 1998 when they had less than 20 boats because the regulations were somewhat restricted, especially with taxes at 200 percent. Then foreign operators came in and told the government they needed boats to transport people back and forth. The government was convinced and they eased up on the regulations. Today, they have about 3,000 boats in Thailand and it’s become a huge industry that employs tens of thousands of people and generates 4 or 5 million Bahts in gross revenues,” he said.
In 2009 Olondriz led a select number of players to turn the Philippines into Asia’s Mediterranean—a country whose coastlines host businesses that not only support employment for locals but also provide significant economic contribution.
Last year the government, headed by the Maritime Industry Authority, NCWS, the Maritime Development and Ocean Affairs Unit and the Tourism and Promotion’s Board, joined the said campaign and called for more private firms to join, as well.
Olondriz also hopes that more companies, especially those in the real estate, hospitality services and construction start shifting their focus on one of the country’s most important resource.
SEA-EX 2018
In line with these efforts, Olondriz once again leads the biggest gathering of major people and brands involved in the manufacture and distribution of yachts, sail boats, boating accessories, water sports equipment, summer apparel and resort getaways in one roof at the 10th SEA-EX Philippine Boat Show and Nautical Lifestyle Expo from October 5 to 7 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Brands participating in the expo include local boat builders, international boat distributors and international brands, as well.