World tourism is far from worried about the political noise and the bombings in Metro Manila, according to Ho Kwon Ping, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading resort chain owners.

In assessing the impact of the Batasan and Glorietta 2 bombings on the local tourism industry, Ho said, “we are not particularly worried.”

The Banyan Tree Group executive made the comment during a press briefing in Malacanang after his courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Ho, who was accompanied by Ariel Vera, chief operating officer (COO) of the Banyan Tree Group, said that the biggest worry of investors in the tourism sector like his company are bird flu, severe acute respiratory syndromes or SARS, and tsunami.

As far as the whole tourism world is concerned, he said, domestic violence does not pose as serious a challenge to investment as SARS and bird flu.

“For myself, in particular, bird flu, SARS, and tsunami are far bigger problems than incidental acts of violence that we find anywhere in the world,” Ho said.

Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano, on the other hand, noted that the presence in the country of the Banyan Tree Group, one of the leading developers, designers and operators of top tier resorts, hotels and spas worldwide, is a clear confirmation that the Philippines is an attractive destination for tourism investment.

He said the world-renowned hospitality of the Filipino people, coupled with the determination of the tourism stakeholders, will pave the way for the Philippines to overcome all the challenges brought about by domestic violence.

Banyan Tree Group operates businesses in many parts of the world, including Bali, the tourism capital of Indonesia; Phuket in Thailand, Mexico, and in the Middle East.

“If you compare the Philippines to other countries, we can really say that the Philippines today has a very attractive environment, and a very attractive destination for tourism investment,” Durano said.

During his call on the President, Ho informed her that the Banyan Tree Group is committed to put in an additional investment of $70 million to expand the company’s Philippine operations.

The Banyan Tree Group is developing a 55-hectare property in Dinaran Island in Coron, Palawan.

Dinaran Island is a mere 15 minutes away by speedboat from the thriving town of Coron.

“We believe that the Philippines will grow into an important luxury tourist destination and our resorts in Dinaran will not only enhance our position as a premier resort chain in Asia but will also give us important foothold in a country with tremendous potential,” Ho said.

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