Philippines Department of Tourism unveils new app for ease of tourist journey

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco affirmed the Department of Tourism's (DOT) commitment to take an active role in realising the socioeconomic policies, strategies, and programs enclosed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028 of the Marcos administration. 

She said the “tourism industry is just coming out of the pandemic that ravaged through all of the sectors of this vibrant industry” that contributes greatly to the Philippines economy. She noted that the “gargantuan challenges are somehow made more manageable” by the support of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. who has said that tourism to be a priority under his administration.

"The past few months, he's made great efforts and waves as well, to convey an openness to the global community in terms of receiving investments and tourists. And this has put the Philippines in a very good position as far as the efforts towards recovery," she added in a statement on the Philippines News Agency’s website.

Some initiatives under his administration include the promotion of Holiday Economics, which moved holidays that fall on a weekend to the nearest weekday to boost tourism spending. There were also relaxation of entry protocols and travel restrictions to and within the country to encourage more tourists to visit and for the country to be at par with its ASEAN neighbours. Marcos earlier also approved the value-added tax refund program for foreign tourists starting 2024, and the extension of the e-visa for Chinese and Indian nationals, two of the country's important source markets in terms of visitor arrivals pre-pandemic.

Frasco said through the partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the DOT endeavors to improve connectivity in at least 94 key tourist destinations in the Philippines. It will also be developing a Tourist Lifecycle App that would "provide tourists connectivity in each and every single aspect of their journey, from booking airline, to the hotel, transport services, as well as all other related services."

Frasco said to equalize tourism promotions across the country, the DOT offices in the country's 16 regions would pursue close coordination with local government units, particularly on the aspect of identifying the sectors needing the most assistance in terms of tourism development.

Also in close cooperation with LGUs, the DOT seeks to introduce a Tourist Assistance Call Center and a Tourist Concierge to ensure a positive experience for tourists throughout their stay.

"We have a lot of programs and plans in place for the year to come. And we are hopeful that with the partnership of our international partners, in person of the diplomatic community, as well as our private sector, and most especially our local government units, we would be able to give the Philippines a fighting chance at not only reclaiming its position pre-pandemic but more importantly, into transforming the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia," she said.

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