HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPE-VINE
What I appreciate and give due credit for, is how the Department of Tourism, under the leadership of Sec. Christina G. Frasco, recognizes that a multi-pronged approach to promoting Philippine Tourism is the ideal way to cover all the bases. It’s about creating multiple touch points, with recognized Tourism drivers that have proven to work in this day and time. We can’t just settle back, and lackadaisically depend on our wonderful beaches and our regular recreational enticements. The DOT has taken a proactive role in identifying these ‘drivers’, and then establishing strategies to address their potential.
Just recently, in conjunction with hosting a UN-led Tourism conference in Cebu, it was Gastronomy Tourism in the proverbial spotlight. In my column of July 7, I wrote about the bright propects for taking this direction in our Tourism agenda; but was also realistic about how it would be a long and arduous road, if we hoped to match the kind of reputation and success of countries like Japan and Thailand, or cities like Donostia-San Sebastian in Spain, in gastronomy tourism.
At the Ayala Museum in mid-July, the DOT and TPB (Tourism Promotions Board) joined forces for a wonderfully curated event, that was highlighted with the unveiling of the Carlo Calma-designed Philippine Pavilion that will be inaugurated in April when the World Expo 2025 opens in Osaka, Japan. With the overall design inspired by Filipino traditional artisan weavers, the pavilion promises to be a ‘hot house’ of exhibits, design, and activities, interactive to the maximum - an engaging, immersive spectacle. And hopefully, a magnet for visitors to the Expo, fostering new interest to come to our country.
The DOT-DOJ (Department of Justice) initiative of Cruise Visa Waiver is a great way to maximize the ‘low hanging fruit’ that cruise ships readily offer its passengers. As drafted by the Bureau of Immigration, the program will provide cruise ship tourists an accessible, secure and efficient entry process to the Philippines. This will apply to visa-required foreign nationals - for a limited duration, and requiring bearer to arrive and depart on the same cruise ship.
On the viable front of promoting Medical Tourism, The Medical City (TMC) hosted an event that was significant, as it included the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, aimed at positioning our country to be a top destination for health and wellness. A DOT-accredited hospital since 2008, TMC’s long term commitment to excellence in Medical Tourism is now fortified via a Discover Your Wellness series, that will exist under the umbrella of DOT’s Love the Philippines campaign.
To be made available on TMC’s digital channels and on DOT platforms, the TMC-led series will seamlessly blend world class health care, with local tourist attractions and cultural experiences. It’s a public-private collaboration that positions the impressive network of TMC hospitals as a standout partner in promoting holistic Medical Tourism here in the Philippines.
Bob Zozobrado, who heads the Philippine Retirement Authority, was present during this TMC DOT event and was enthusiastic about this signing, as it upgrades the medical and health ecosystem we can offer to potential retirees. Bob has a wealth of experience, from the hotel and airline industries, on to the travel agency sector - and he was telling me that we’re far from reaching our true potential in this particular ‘market’.
Just earlier this week, the DOT, TIEZA and DOH (Department of Health) announced their joint effort, via a Memorandum of Understanding, to establish Tourist First Aid Facilities (TFAF) at several of our often-visited destinations. It’s about putting health and safety first, for visitors and tourists; elevating the overall experience.
The big idea is establishing common first aid and emergency facilities, in accordance with standards established by DOH. The DOT will establish the where; and TIEZA participation signifies infrastructure support, leading the construction. DOH will then provide the qualified personnel. It’s pushing for a gold standard for safety for the tourists; highlighting the interconnectedness between health care and tourism. The first TFAFs will rise in Boracay, Panglao, La Union, Siargao, Palawan, and Puerto Galera.
As I mentioned in my July 7 column, a lot of these efforts are part of laying the ground work, establishing a strong foundation, for the development of these ‘touch points’ for Tourism. Seeing some of these programs blossom is a long term scenario/proposition, one that goes beyond the terms of the ones we see initiating them today.
I can only hope and pray that these initiatives will be endorsed, prioritized, and continued by those who follow. Otherwise, it becomes our classic case of ‘great start, and no finish’ - a situation that we’ve seen far too often, as administrations change; and even the thoughtful, worthwhile programs of preceding administrations are discarded with.