1.1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS Tourism is considered a key driver for socio-economic progress (UNWTO). The National Policy for Tourism, or the Tourism Act of 2009 recognized the importance of the sector as an engine of investment, employment, growth, a

To effectively present the statement you've provided, consider organizing the content into sections that flow logically. Here’s a proposed structure along with a suggested way to present each section: --- ### 1. Introduction - **Contextualize the Importance of Tourism**: Begin with a brief overview of tourism's role in socio-economic development, referencing the UNWTO and the National Policy for Tourism. **Example**: "Tourism plays a crucial role in driving socio-economic progress, recognized as an engine of investment and job creation by the UNWTO and enshrined in the National Policy for Tourism, or the Tourism Act of 2009." ### 2. SOCCSKSARGEN Region Overview - **Introduce the Region**: Describe SOCCSKSARGEN, mentioning its provinces and cities, and identify its tourism potential alongside existing challenges. **Example**: "SOCCSKSARGEN, located in the heart of Mindanao, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City. Despite its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, the region faces substantial challenges in showcasing its tourism offerings." ### 3. Current Tourism Landscape - **Highlight Statistics**: Present the current data on tourist arrivals, emphasizing the potential for growth and international recognition. **Example**: "In 2023, SOCCSKSARGEN welcomed approximately 1.63 million overnight domestic travelers and about 5,700 foreign tourists. This indicates a notable growth in the region's appeal, marking it as an emerging destination in the post-pandemic landscape." ### 4. Challenges Faced by the Tourism Sector - **Detail Current Issues**: Discuss the lack of infrastructure, tourist information centers, and transportation coordination at key points of arrival. **Example**: "Despite this growth, the region grapples with significant challenges, including insufficient tourist information hubs and the absence of an intermodal terminal at the airport, which complicates the journey for incoming tourists." ### 5. Proposed Solutions - **Introduce the Proposal**: Clearly state your plan for the development of a regional tourism hub and intermodal terminal. **Example**: "To address these challenges and enhance the tourist experience, we propose the establishment of a regional tourism hub featuring an integrated intermodal terminal. This would streamline services and improve accessibility across the region." ### 6. Benefits of the Proposal - **Outline the Advantages**: Discuss how the proposed hub would impact local businesses, tourism experience, and the environment. **Example**: "This development is expected to not only promote local businesses and cultural identity but also improve connectivity and reduce carbon emissions through a focus on public transit options. By incorporating sustainable practices, the hub could serve as a beacon of climate resilience for both visitors and locals." ### 7. Concluding Remarks - **Wrap Up and Call to Action**: Reinforce the importance of the project in contributing to the region's tourism growth and environmental sustainability. **Example**: "In conclusion, the establishment of this tourism hub represents a critical step toward making SOCCSKSARGEN a more attractive destination while supporting global efforts against climate change. Through thoughtful planning and community involvement, we can transform our region into a model for sustainable tourism." --- ### Presentation Tips: - **Visual Aids**: Use slides or visual graphics to illustrate statistical data, proposed hub designs, or maps of transportation links. - **Engagement**: Ask questions to the audience to prompt them to think about tourism's role and the potential changes the proposal could bring. - **Handouts**: Provide a summary of your proposal with key points for the audience to take home. By dividing the information into clear sections and presenting it logically, you can effectively communicate your ideas and engage your audience.