The Philippines targets to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia in the next five years, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said.
At the unveiling of the 2023-2028 National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) during a tourism stakeholders’ summit in Manila, the Department of Tourism vowed to establish a Philippine tourism industry anchored on Filipino culture, heritage and identity, which aims to be sustainable, resilient and competitive in order to transform the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
The roadmap identified seven measures to achieve this goal, with improving tourism infrastructure and accessibility as one of the priorities.
On connectivity, Frasco said DOT is working with the Department of Transportation to negotiate more routes for air and sea travel.
DOT would also focus on digitalization; enhancement of the overall tourist experience by incentivizing sustainable travel, and improving safety and security in destinations, among others.
The agency would also tap local government units in developing more tourist sites and linking emerging ones to key destinations.
She said the government will increase investments in creating “high-value” tourism experiences and announced the May 2023 launch of the Philippine Experience.
The program, which aims to highlight heritage and culture unique to every region in the country, will be piloted in Davao, Ilocos Region, Bicol and Calabarzon.
The program, she said, would include a three to five-day tour packages allowing tourists to experience both well-known and lesser-known destinations in said regions.
Frasco presented the salient points of the NTDP before the country’s top tourism players. – Press release
April 27, 2024
