Infrastructure projects are necessary to improve accessibility to top tourist destinations and strengthen the Philippines' position as a premier global tourism hub, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.
This was stressed by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco as she attended President Marcos' signing of agreements for upgrades to airports and seaports at Malacañang Palace.
Part of the Marcos administration's Build Better More program, these initiatives include the modernization of airports in Bohol, Siargao, and Dumaguete, as well as the development of the Cebu International Container Port and Cebu’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
Implemented through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), the projects aim to improve connectivity, ease congestion at transport hubs, and enhance the overall tourism experience in the country.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to elevate the Philippines as a world-class destination for travelers,” Frasco said, emphasizing the importance of modern airports and seaports in driving local economic growth while enhancing convenience and access for tourists.
One of the standout projects is the expansion of Bohol Panglao International Airport, which is set to double its annual passenger capacity from 2 million to 4 million by 2030.
Marcos highlighted the economic benefits of the expansion, including job creation in the hospitality sector and a projected P200 million in annual revenue by the end of the concession period.
The DOT is also advancing airport development in the emerging tourist destinations of Dumaguete and Siargao.
These developments form part of the first bundled PPP initiative by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), which aims to modernize airports in less accessible regions.
“With the improvement of these airports, we can unlock more opportunities for students, workers, and businesses while ensuring that tourism and trade continue to thrive,” Marcos said.
Siargao, renowned for its world-class surfing, attracted over 500,000 visitors in 2023, with the airport upgrade expected to further enhance its tourism potential.
Dumaguete’s airport expansion will also improve connectivity to the region’s educational institutions and cultural attractions.
Frasco further underscored Cebu’s ongoing transport infrastructure modernization, including the Cebu International Container Port and the Cebu BRT system, both of which will help ease congestion and strengthen Cebu’s position as a regional travel hub.
“The seamless connectivity between land, air, and sea is key to sustaining tourism growth,” Frasco said, adding that these infrastructure improvements would complement efforts to enhance air routes and increase international flight seating capacity.
These initiatives are expected to stimulate local economies, attract more tourists, and promote sustainable tourism practices.
As the DOT advances these infrastructure projects, it continues to collaborate with government agencies, local government units, and the private sector to ensure these developments create a lasting and positive impact on the tourism industry.
Frasco reaffirmed that the upgrades would benefit not only the tourism sector but also foster equitable growth for communities nationwide.