Tourism players urged anew to maximize government programs

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has reminded industry stakeholders to take advantage of financial and training programs implemented by the agency to help businesses survive amid pandemic.

In her message during the formal announcement of Sofitel Hotel’s entry to Cebu, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat reminded tourism players that the government led by her agency has various programs, such as financial assistance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), series skills upgrade training, and webinars, among others.

“We continue our efforts in aiding our tourism stakeholders through different COVID-related activities,” said Puyat.

While the industry has been through bloody year in 2020, Puyat urged players to take on another challenge this year.

“The year 2021 may be another challenging year [for us] again. But we are on a different kind of challenge—to be innovative and resilient as we continue to implement tourism standard that will ensure safety and health for our tourists as they slowly returning to their favorite destinations and tourism activities here in Cebu,” she noted.

She reiterated DOT’s commitment to help the private stakeholders in tourism sector to go through with the difficulties, injecting hope that the worldwide tourism is already in its gradual recovery.

With the quick adjustments of tourism players around the world in making travel possible under new normal, such as cashless and contactless transactions and other technology innovations, the hope of fast recovery is high.

In partnership with other agencies in the government and local government units (LGUs), Puyat assured that DOT continues to ensure strict health and safety guidelines for accommodation establishments in making sure that there are protocols in place “to provide visitors’ experience not just fun, but safe.”