(Sun Star) INTERNATIONAL tourism is expected to rebound in the coming years to pre-pandemic levels as the country ramps up environmental sustainability efforts on key tourist destinations.

Roberto Alabado III, Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said they target the number of tourists going back to pre-pandemic levels by 2024 and 2025.

The Philippines recorded over eight million foreign tourists during the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

“Tourism will eventually learn to adapt to the current pandemic. Tourist behavior generally will change due to the current pandemic –more outdoor, smaller groups, health-conscious,” he said in a webinar.

To cater to tourists, Alabado said it is important to focus on the issues of environmental sustainability, including the need for more environmental action on key tourist spots, wastewater systems and solid waste systems.

“Investments (are) needed to protect the natural resources for tourism purposes,” he said.

Alabado also underscored the need to improve the world’s information about the country.

“There is still a lack of knowledge about the Philippines in general,” he said. “Digitalization of the Philippine tourism industry will rapidly change how tourism is done.”

Alabado said connectivity to destinations likewise is a must, thus the importance of having airports, roads, cruise ports and seaports.