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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Disaster-ready tourism now central in national development strategy

Disaster-ready tourism now central in national development strategy

Published Jun 18, 2025 03:12 pm

At A Glance

  • Disaster preparedness and climate resilience now guide the country's tourism strategy.
  • The Department of Tourism (DOT) recalibrated its development plan to prioritize sustainability.
  • A new manual and support programs were launched for disaster-affected tourism areas.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco highlights disaster preparedness and climate resilience during the 5th International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) held at Lyceum of the Philippines University–Cavite in General Trías, Cavite, as the Department of Tourism (DOT) updates its framework toward sustainable tourism development. (Photo: DOT)
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco highlights disaster preparedness and climate resilience during the 5th International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) held at Lyceum of the Philippines University–Cavite in General Trías, Cavite, as the Department of Tourism (DOT) updates its framework toward sustainable tourism development. (Photo: DOT)
Preparedness for disasters and the push for climate resilience now define the country’s tourism strategy under a recalibrated framework led by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco underscored this policy shift during the 2025 International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH), where she called for a framework that empowers communities and protects tourism sites from climate-related risks.
She said insights gathered through the agency’s nationwide listening tours revealed a consistent demand for long-term infrastructure, livelihood support, and programs responsive to the needs of disaster-prone areas.
These findings shaped the updated National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), which now incorporates resilience and sustainability in tourism policy, planning, and implementation.
To support this direction, the DOT launched the Tourism Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Manual, a guide for local governments and stakeholders in developing climate-resilient tourism circuits.
The department also partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the Bayanihan sa Bukas na may Pag-asa sa Turismo program, which provides financial aid, skills training, and livelihood support to tourism workers and enterprises affected by calamities.
Frasco stressed the need for proactive leadership in preparing tourism communities for emergencies.
The agency’s focus on resilience aligns with the ICRTH’s push for sustainable and inclusive tourism, which brought together tourism leaders and development partners from across Asia-Pacific.
Frasco said the Philippines’ hosting of the conference affirms its role in global tourism dialogue and its commitment to models anchored on safety, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
“Filipinos are at the center of this roadmap,” she said. “With every policy we draft and every program we implement, we move closer to a tourism industry that is not only thriving but truly resilient.”

Related Tags

DOT NTDP disaster preparedness climate resilience sustainable tourism
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