Department of Tourism (DOT) Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco presented to the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in New York the government's comprehensive plan, goals, and strategies to revitalize the tourism sector after being hammered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Frasco, who joined the economic team of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the United States, said Philippine tourism is ready to open in full capacity to boost economic resurgence in the country.
The PEB forum was organized to entice businesses from the United States and other countries to invest in the Philippines.
“The President has clearly identified tourism as a major tool for the economic resurgence of the Philippines, stating that it can be the economic driver upon which we herald the Filipino Brand and at the same time create economic opportunity and livelihood all over the country,” said Frasco in her opening statement.
Being part of the panel discussion on the Philippines’ Infrastructure Agenda and Investment Opportunities, Frasco reiterated the DOT’s 7-point agenda and the three strategies of connectivity, convenience, and E(quality).
The Tourism chief bared the ground-breaking of 10 Tourist Service Areas (TSA) in the country that comprised three TSA facilities in Luzon; five in the Visayas, and two in the Mindanao Region.
“We plan to address the most basic aspect of travel across the Philippines: clean restrooms. I’m very pleased to inform you that in the first week of October, under the directive of the President, we are breaking ground on no less than 10 tourist rest areas across the Philippines,” Frasco uttered.
She also highlighted the creation of the Tourist Assistance Call Center aims to ensure tourists’ safety and security.
The DOT partnered with the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Communications, Information, and Technology (DICT) for the computerization of information gathering for travelers, and the establishment of Wi-Fi connections in all tourism destinations.