DOT to unlock roadblocks to boost tourism industry

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) aims to unlock roadblocks to fully develop the country’s tourism industry.

DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said tourism is one of the few industries that can create opportunities and livelihoods in many of the Philippines' farthest, most remote communities, and across all strata of society.

With this, creating inclusive and sustainable development for the country demands a national commitment to tourism.

Though the Philippines has a very productive industry, Frasco also recognized that it has also been hounded by challenges.

“So, it is by unlocking all of these roadblocks that we would be able to fully develop the tourism industry guided by the National Tourism Development Plan,” Frasco said.

Frasco is thankful for the approval of the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028 that the DOT has crafted, in consultation with stakeholders from the public and private sectors recently.

Through this, the DOT will operate under its identified seven objectives which include the improvement of tourism infrastructure and accessibility; cohesive and comprehensive digitalization and connectivity; enhancement of overall tourist experience; equalization of tourism product development and promotion; diversification of the tourism portfolio through multidimensional tourism; maximization of domestic and international tourism; and strengthening tourism governance through close collaborations with national and local stakeholders.

With the challenges confronting the Philippines as a tourism destination post-pandemic, the DOT will also incorporate three strategic approaches namely, connectivity, convenience, and (e)quality.

These objectives involve not simply promoting the Philippines domestically and internationally, but also, address the essential issues of tourism development, Frasco added. — (FREEMAN)