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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOT unveils strategic initiatives to accelerate tourism recovery by 2025

DOT unveils strategic initiatives to accelerate tourism recovery by 2025

Published Jan 10, 2025 09:18 am
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco.jpg
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco (Screengrab from PTV Bagong Pilipinas livestream)

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday, January 10, unveiled a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at positioning the Philippines as a premier global tourism destination and achieving full recovery by 2025.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the agency remains committed to enhancing the country's tourism infrastructure through targeted investments and the development of key destinations, aligned with the Marcos administration’s priorities.

“We are working with the private sector to increase the number of room keys in the Philippines by constructing new accommodations, resorts, and hotels,” Frasco said in a livestream interview, adding that the Philippine Hotel Owners Association supports the Philippine Hotel Infrastructure Strategic Action Plan.

A key element of DOT’s strategy is the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), which has successfully showcased Filipino culture, heritage, and gastronomy across 11 regions.

The program is set for nationwide expansion and aims to further promote the country’s beaches, dive sites, and festivals.

Frasco also highlighted ongoing infrastructure improvements, including the completion of 10 tourist rest areas, 22 ongoing projects, and plans for 60 additional facilities nationwide.

New innovations, such as hyperbaric chambers and tourist aid facilities for diving activities, are being introduced to enhance visitor satisfaction.

In partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the DOT is funding local government-proposed tourism projects through the Tourism Champions Challenge, allocating P255 million to improve the accessibility and quality of tourism services across the country.

Looking forward, Frasco said the Philippines will take a leading role in the Osaka World Expo 2025 and host the Tierra Madre Asia Pacific 2025 in Bacolod City, events that will showcase Filipino gastronomy and promote local chefs, farmers, and suppliers to the international community.

She said further initiatives include plans to expand cruise and dive tourism, develop golf tourism destinations, and improve regional connectivity by upgrading airport facilities.

These efforts aim to extend tourist stays, increase spending, and attract repeat visitors, the tourism chief said.

“Tourists visiting the Philippines stay an average of 11 nights compared to nine nights in 2019, with over 70 percent being repeat visitors,” Frasco noted.

To build on this momentum, Frasco expressed optimism about new measures, including the value-added tax (VAT) refund mechanism and the introduction of an electronic visa system, which are expected to improve the country’s global competitiveness and attract more international tourists.

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Christina Garcia-Frasco Department of Tourism (DOT)
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