The government's big ticket infrastructure projects will not just benefit local commuters but will also boost tourism in far-flung areas, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista told the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA) on Wednesday, February 15.
In fact, these projects will establish the Philippines as a prime tourism destination.
“Modernizing the country’s transportation system is crucial to ensure tourists enjoy their travel and vacation experience,” Secretary Bautista pointed out.
The DOTr, and the Department of Tourism (DOT) are collaborating to boost tourist arrivals, he added.
Big ticket projects in the aviation, railways, maritime and road sector improve mobility and connectivity across the country, maximizing tourism opportunities, the DOTr Secretary reasoned.

Several airport projects, such as the newly-opened passenger terminal building of the Clark International Airport (CRK), the construction of the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan and Sangley Point International Airport in Cavite, as well as improvements in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Bicol International Airport, accommodate local and foreign tourists, he noted.
On the other hand, railway projects unlock the economic potential of the northern and southern provinces while moving more passengers and addressing traffic congestion in the country’s capital.
Railway projects in full swing include the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project, Metro Manila Subway Project, Common Station, MRT-7, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, PNR North and South Long-Haul Project, Subic-Clark Railway, and the Mindanao Railway.
To ease the mobility requirements of commuters, the DOTr is also improving the services of the EDSA Busway.
In the maritime sector, the DOTr and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) are improving commercial and social-tourism ports to move passengers and goods, while lowering logistic costs and shipping fees.