The Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) said on Monday that it aims to boost hotel occupancy by focusing on domestic tourism offerings, as the industry continues to grapple with the effect of the Middle East war and rising operational costs. The group noted that high expenses for electricity, gasoline, and other inputs are squeezing profit margins for hospitality and accommodation businesses.
According to BusinessWorld, HSMA is turning to domestic travelers as a more stable source of revenue amid geopolitical uncertainties and rising costs. The association believes that promoting local travel can help sustain occupancy rates and support the recovery of the hotel sector.
The industry group is also encouraging member hotels to offer competitive packages and leverage digital marketing to attract domestic tourists. The move comes as the Philippine tourism industry seeks to regain momentum after disruptions caused by conflicts abroad and inflationary pressures.