Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said on Wednesday that television host and talent manager Boy Abunda, who is being considered by President-elect Benigno Simeon Aquino III for the Department of Tourism (DoT) portfolio, has the qualities of being a successful secretary.

“Boy Abunda is an intelligent and sincere person. For me, he has the qualities to be successful in any field he chooses to devote himself in. Right now, he chose to be in show business and he’s undoubtedly one of the most admired personalities in that field,” he said.

However, Durano said he is not aware of reports on the possible appointment of music artist Jim Parades and lawyer Andy Bautista, chairman and chief executive officer of the Shangri-La Group, as secretary of DoT.

Meanwhile, Durano said he is confident that Aquino will come out with well-assessed directives and decisions for the next administration, including tourism.

“Development is never ending. Progress is achieved when we build on past success. Let’s have faith in the newly elected government,” Durano said during the recent Retrospective Seminar on Key Accomplishments in Tourism.

Durano reiterated that tourism has become a vital part of the economy contributing 10 percent of formal employment, six percent on the gross domestic product, and is the fourth biggest export earner of the country.

“I’m pretty sure they will continue to support the tourism industry. We just have to wait and see,” he said.