Long Stay Program supported by the Department of TourismPosted March 09, 2010
Long Stay Program supported by the Department of Tourism
Officials of the Retirement & Healthcare Coalition, a non-stock, non-profit organization that promotes the retirement and healthcare facilities in the Philippines, met with DOT Secretary Ace Durano, Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion and Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque.
The Retirement & Healthcare Coalition (RHC) was represented by Robert Sears, American Chamber of Commerce executive director, Henry Schumacher, executive vice president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Japan Chamber of Commerce vice president Nonuo Fujii, and Marc Daubenbuechel, Project Manager of the RHC
The delegation presented the Long Stay Visitor Program that helps promotes the Philippines as retirement destination. With this Program, foreign seniors are invited to experience the Philippines hassle free. Under this program, they overwinter in the Philippines instead of staying during the cold and harsh winter in their home countries. This concept was used already during the 1970s in Spain which made Spain the major destination for retirees in Europe. Through the Long Stay Program, the Coalition is confident that foreign retirees will choose the Philippines as their 2nd home and tourism destination.
The Coalition has identified 5 suitable locations in the Philippines for retirement. These regions are: Manila, Cebu, Clark/Subic, Dumaguete and Tagaytay. The selection of these locations is mainly based on the easy access to complementary amenities such as high standard medical centers, health and wellness facilities, leisure and sports facilities, commercial establishments, airport, possible investment and employment opportunities and most especially, the availability of housing units suitable for Short and Long Stay Visitors at competitive rates.
Tourism Secretary Ace Durano sees a big potential in the Long Stay Visitor Program and would like to see more facilities allocating resources to this program. He would like to further develop the Long Stay Vistor Program together with the Retirement & Healthcare Coalition in a partnership.
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