The quest for data and information has become more apparent in this age of digital technology.  With data at the tip of our fingers, we can analyze, compare, rationalize, and make decision to improve ourselves, increase business profitability, and grow our economy.

For the Philippine tourism industry, which is fast growing as a preferred destination in Southeast Asia, much has to be desired to ensure that every opportunity for the tourist seeking information must be dealt with and attended to.  There have been instances that, many a time, a tourist has missed visiting the Philippines because of absence or lack of information.  And, many a time, some businesses have missed on clients due to limited records and facts about destinations.

There are lot of information at the tourist site level.  However, most, if not all, are scattered in the hands of various individuals and institutions.  Thus, conscious effort must be undertaken to ensure that these are properly documented and stored to serve the needs of present and future researchers, tourists, businesses, and leaders.

The Tourism Knowledge Centre (TKC) is a platform that seeks to serve as repository of information on travel and tourism in the country.  It will provide easy and convenient access to data for tourists, planners, students, and researchers.  It will establish tie-ups with various organizations and entities to secure information, document them, and allow the sharing to various individuals and organizations.  The TKC will operate a virtual site that will bring to fore global, regional, and Philippine facts and figures most frequently requested.  The information can be downloaded using certain applications to support the needs of different users.

On the other hand, the TKC also offers opportunity for local government units (LGUs) to harness the power of digital technology to collect, store, and disseminate data on tourism sites and attractions that they are managing and developing.  The TKC will assist the local authorities not only in the data management but also in the marketing and promotion of their tourism sites.  The TKC will work to enhance the LGUs’ management of the tourist site, improve visitor experience, and create a holistic appreciation of the historical and cultural significance of the area.  It will also serve as a springboard for in-depth investigation of socio-economic and environmental sustainability of each destination for a more profound understanding of Philippine tourism.

While much is to be desired, the TKC is taking the first step to serve as the one-stop shop for the information needs of the tourism industry.  As envisaged in the UNWTO World Tourism Day theme, Philippines tourism industry stakeholders need to collectively collaborate, cooperate, and work together through sharing information and knowledge.  The Philippines is currently the leading country on information technology in the region.  The private sector and government must use this advantage to propel the growth of tourism industry now and into the future.