Domestic tourism driving industry’s growth — DOT

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is seeking more investors in the domestic tourism sector.

“Domestic tourism is what really drives tourism growth in the Philippines and there should be no let-up in looking for investors to continue to grow our major segments in the industry,” DOT Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. said in his keynote durng the first edition of the Tourism Investment Business Exchange (TIBEX) 2019 in Manila.

With 111 million domestic tourists registered in 2018, the Philippines has already surpassed the 86 million domestic tourists target for 2022 under the National Tourism Development Plan(NTDP).

The continued growth of the local tourism market has resulted in investment opportunities in various parts of the country which the DOT aims to address as it holds the first edition of the TIBEX.

“TIBEX aims to fill in the gaps in the room and tourism capacities that the country lacks in some areas, to provide fitting linkages between business pitchers and investors, and to promote the Philippines not only as a tourist destination but more so as an investment haven,” the DOT said.

The event, organized by the DOT Office of Tourism Standards and Regulations (OTSR), included a crash course on how to deliver effective business pitches, in order to seal relevant investments that will facilitate tourism development in their respective regions.
“What’s important is not only to gain profit but for us to have projects that are truly sustainable so that our future generations will have something for themselves,” DOT-OTSR director Rebecca Labit said.

Among those who delivered business pitches was Catbalogan, Samar councilor Stephany Uy-Tan, particularly for the Sky City Mega Project.

The project, a brainchild of the Catbalogan local government unit (LGU), is a climate-proof, resilient and sustainable development, situated 120 meters above sea level.

“We see that tourism is the way to go. Samar has the best of nature. There are seascapes, rock formations, island destinations, surfing. You name it, and they have it. It has a big potential, we just need the break, and we need investors,” DOT regional director for Eastern Visayas Karen Tiopes said.

Other business pitchers included representatives from LGUs and property owners from Samar, Palawan, Misamis Occidental, Subic Bay and Davao del Norte.