'Human capital, tech crucial to tourism'

TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the integration of human capital with technological advancement is crucial to a dynamic tourism industry.

«We recognize that technology does indeed enhance human performance; however, it cannot and should not replace human capital,» Frasco said in her speech during the 7th Tourism Human Resource Congress on Tuesday at The Bayleaf Cavite.

«Technology supports efficiency in operations but does not replace human interaction, interpersonal skills, or hospitality,» she added.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

The event, titled «5 IR: Achieving Harmonious Human-Machine Collaboration in Tourism and Hospitality,» presented key achievements and future directions of the Philippine tourism industry.

Frasco reported that tourism earnings totaled P3.36 trillion, the highest in 24 years.

She added that tourism's contribution to GDP increased by 8.6 percent. The industry has provided jobs to over 6.21 million Filipinos, accounting for nearly 13 percent of total national employment figures.

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«Let us continue to uphold the highest standards of service excellence in our tourism industry while we embrace innovation and technology,» Frasco said.

The two-day event was organized by the Tourism Industry Board Foundation Inc. and hosted by the Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite.