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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOT goes high-tech with Mastercard in global tourism thrust

DOT goes high-tech with Mastercard in global tourism thrust

Published Jun 19, 2025 04:28 pm
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (third from right) and Mastercard Senior Vice President for Customer Solutions Center for Southeast Asia Aisha Islam (third from left) shake hands during the ceremonial launch of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Mastercard digital tourism initiative at the DOT Central Office in Makati City on June 18, 2025. Also in photo are DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano (second from right), DOT Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin (right), Mastercard Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated Marketing and Communications for Southeast Asia Dheeraj Raina (second from left), and DOT Director Rozano Planta (left). (Photo: DOT)
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (third from right) and Mastercard Senior Vice President for Customer Solutions Center for Southeast Asia Aisha Islam (third from left) shake hands during the ceremonial launch of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Mastercard digital tourism initiative at the DOT Central Office in Makati City on June 18, 2025. Also in photo are DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano (second from right), DOT Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin (right), Mastercard Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated Marketing and Communications for Southeast Asia Dheeraj Raina (second from left), and DOT Director Rozano Planta (left). (Photo: DOT)
The Department of Tourism (DOT) adopts advanced digital solutions powered by Mastercard to boost the country’s global tourism thrust through targeted and data-driven promotions.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco and Mastercard Senior Vice President for Customer Solutions Center for Southeast Asia Aisha Islam led the ceremonial launch of the initiative on Wednesday, Jun. 18, at the DOT Central Office in Makati City.
Using Mastercard’s marketing technology and analytics, the DOT aims to enhance its ability to target priority markets and deliver curated travel offerings, aligned with its digital shift under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028.
Mastercard will assist the DOT in implementing content-driven and data-informed tourism campaigns that promote the country’s top destinations and unique travel experiences.
The initiative may also pave the way for the adoption of additional digital solutions, subject to government procurement rules, in support of inbound travel and an improved visitor experience.
As part of the arrangement, the DOT will recognize Mastercard as a “Preferred Tourism Partner” in future destination marketing efforts intended to increase foreign arrivals and boost tourism revenues.
Officials from the DOT and Mastercard, along with key leaders from national tourism associations, attended the launch.
Frasco said the initiative demonstrates the department’s commitment to innovation and to equipping the tourism sector with tools to compete in a digitally driven global travel landscape.

Related Tags

Mastercard DOT National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028 Digital Tourism Tourism Promotion
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